THE MOON AGREEMENT AND INDIA

Author – PRACHI SHUKLA, STUDENT OF .S. S. KHANNA GIRL’S DEGREE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF ALLAHABD

Best Citation – PRACHI SHUKLA, THE MOON AGREEMENT AND INDIA, ILE Monthly Review, 1 (5) of 2023, Pg. 14-17, ISBN – 978-81-961828-8-5

ABSTRACT

Miles away from our dear planet- Earth, in the outer space, there are a number of other planets, asteroids, celestial bodies and many more undiscovered and/ or hidden secrets that maybe productive or useful the human race. The outer space have always been a topic of curiosity, amusement and a lot more mind-tickling questions both at the national and international level. Earlier, the concern of human was only limited to exploration and findings of the space and its belongings, but with the passage of time and the emerging needs the most brainy creation of almighty i.e., human has widened its concern regarding the outer space by indulging in activities like:- exploration of the outer space, mining lunar resources, ownership of the outer space resources, establishing control over these resources, raising economic benefits from the outer space and much more. In the global aspect, the outer space missions that have been carried out till now revealed that in the outer space there is the presence of natural resources which we need and they have the potential to support the survival of life for a larger span of time. With the advancement of science and technology, the activities related to the field of outer space and its resources, are leading to significant changes in respect of extra-terrestrial exploration. Each and every field in the universe requires a mark of rules and procedures in order to be governed in accordance with and; render equitable, justifiable and peaceful way for enjoying the fruits of progress, evolution and expansion; thus, outer space and its allied activities are not an exception as regards the space laws. The interational organisations have never ceased to bring out the standards that one needs to follow while their involvement in the outer space activities. In this aspect, international space laws are the creation of the consensus of international communities. The space activities are carried out by the States and by the private players as well. Since a decade or two, there has been increment in the activities of outer space and explorations being carried out by the commercial/ private players, globally. In the race of developed and developing space-faring nations there is often clash of interests with regard to occupation and appropriation of outer space resources. This article aims to study the Moon Agreement, its historical background, objectives, the provisions and legal status of the Moon Agreement, the Artemis Accords and India’s view with regard to the Moon Treaty/ Agreement.

KEY WORDS:- Outer space treaty, the moon agreement, legal status, artemis accords, India’s inclination.