05 MAR 2024, – In a significant move, the Government of India has undertaken a comprehensive review of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy in the Space sector. The amendments, effective immediately from the date of FEMA notification, aim to further open up the sector to foreign investments while maintaining strategic control.
The revisions under Para 5.2.12 of the Consolidated FDI Policy Circular of 2020 introduce changes in various segments of the space industry, providing a clearer framework for foreign investors. The modifications encompass Satellite Manufacturing & Operation, Satellite Data Products, Launch Vehicles, Spaceports, and Manufacturing of Components and Systems/Subsystems for the space sector.
Satellites – Manufacturing & Operation:
- Sectoral Cap: 100%
- Entry Route: Up to 74% – Automatic, Beyond 74% – Government route
This category involves end-to-end manufacturing and supply of satellites and/or payload, including control of in-orbit operations.
Satellite Data Products:
- Sectoral Cap: 100%
- Entry Route: Up to 100% – Automatic
Encompassing the reception, generation, or dissemination of earth observation/remote sensing satellite data and data products, including Application Interfaces (API).
Ground Segment & User Segment:
- Sectoral Cap: 100%
- Entry Route: Up to 100% – Automatic
(a) Ground Segment: Involves the supply of satellite transmit/receive earth stations, gateway, teleports, satellite Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) station, Satellite Control Centre (SCC), etc.
(b) User Segment: Encompasses the supply of user ground terminals for communicating with the satellite, excluding those covered under the ground segment.
Launch Vehicles and Associated Systems or Subsystems:
- Sectoral Cap: 100%
- Entry Route: Up to 49% – Automatic, Beyond 49% – Government route
This includes vehicles and components designed for operating in or placing spacecraft with payloads in suborbital trajectory, earth orbit, or outer space.
Creation of Spaceports for Launching and Receiving Spacecraft:
- Sectoral Cap: Not specified
- Entry Route: Up to 100% – Automatic
A spaceport or launch site is considered the base from which spacecraft are launched, consisting of facilities for transportation to, from, and via outer space.
Manufacturing of Components and Systems/Subsystems:
- Sectoral Cap: 100%
- Entry Route: Up to 100% – Automatic
Comprising the manufacturing and supply of electrical, electronic, and mechanical components, systems/subsystems for satellites, ground segment, and user segment.
The investee entities in the space sector are required to adhere to sectoral guidelines issued by the Department of Space. These guidelines are subject to periodic updates.
This forward-looking policy is expected to attract foreign investments, foster innovation, and propel India’s space sector to new heights. The government’s commitment to maintaining strategic control while encouraging international collaboration is evident in this revised FDI policy.