The looming Chinese threat to the communication network and other space stations has forced India to set up an Integrated Space Cell (ISC) to oppose the increasing threat to the country’s space-based assets.

The cell, formed under the supervision of the Integrated Defence Services Headquarters, will serve multipurpose activities and act as a single window between the armed forces, the Department of Space and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The cell is designed to counter the Chinese Military Space Systems including anti-satellite weaponry and a new class of heavy-lift and small boosters acting as catalyst in the next generation satellite warfare system.

While making this announcement after inaugurating the two-day Unified Commanders’ Conference in the Capital, A K Antony, defence minister said that the new fears to space-assets were also rising from building of new class of heavy lift and small boosters and an enhanced array of military space systems emerging in the country’s neighbourhood.

The commanders’ meeting, centering on different matters relating to better harmonization amongst the three Services, was attended among others by chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta, air Chief Marshal F H Major, army chief General Deepak Kapoor, defence secretary Vijay Singh, Chief of Integrated Service Command Lt Gen HS Lidder, commanders and other senior officers.

Antony said that engaging China in a discussion and trying to settle outstanding issues is the correct technique ahead.

“Foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee's recent visit to China was a step in this direction,” he said and showedd hopefulness that the contract between the two countries on peace and tranquility and the ongoing confidence building measures and MoU on defence cooperation would help achieve this purpose.

Besides setting up Space Cell, the government will also establish Defence Informatics Centre (DIC) on the lines of the National Informatics Centre to cater to the e-governance requirements of the Armed Forces, the Defence Ministry and other associated organisations.

The DIC would be designed in a manner where it would be difficult for outside forces to penetrate and cripple the network. This would help completely insulate India's military communication network.