New Delhi: India has given a call for creation of a global space force for preventing it from being used for geopolitical conflicts and to protect satellites and other space assets, Lok Sabha was informed on March 12.

The idea was mooted by President A P J Abdul Kalam at the recent International Space Congress in India, which was attended by representatives of six other nations, Minister of State for Space Satyabrata Mookherjee said during Question Hour.

He said the President had stated at the Congress that all steps should be taken to avoid geopolitical conflicts from being extended to outer space.

Without naming the countries, he said their response to the proposal "would be studied if and when received".

Mookherjee said there were six treaties at the United Nations dealing with various aspects of space exploration and related subjects, in which India had played a "vital role". The subjects of the treaties include outer space exploration, rescue of astronauts and prevent damage to satellites and damage from space objects.

He said India had already launched satellites of Belgium, Germany and South Korea, and Singapore had requested that one of its satellites be launched by India. India also had agreements on the subject with 22 other nations to share communication and knowledge.

Stating that India's space programme was "essentially a social programme", he said the Centre had entered into a joint venture partnership with a Kerala firm to explore minerals in the seabed.

PTI