Sood for consensus on an effective space regulating regime

Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Rakesh Sood, today stressed on the need to build consensus among all key space-faring nations to create an effective space regulating regime.
Ahead of talks on International Code of Conduct (ICoC) for space, Sood said all stake-holders should be taken along on the processes on the Code on merit, equity and safety as space involves use of dual technology.
Sood was speaking at a book launch of 'Awaiting Launch: Perspectives on the Draft ICOC for Outer Space Activities' at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) here.
"If it becomes non-equitable, then building consensus would be very difficult and chances of consensus will diminish," Sood said, pointing out that India is trying for sustainability and safety of outer space and not banning use of it.

The European Union has been working on its International Code of Conduct (ICoC) since 2012 and this code has been gaining traction recently. It has also instituted Open Ended Consultations with other countries, which were held in Kiev and Bangkok last year. A third session is scheduled later this month. India is likely to participate in the talks.
The book, edited by Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan and Daniel A Porras, is a compilation of academic papers on issues related to Outer Space and debates and process on the ICOC code.