New Delhi:

Roman Babushkin, deputy head of the Russian delegation, praised India’s outstanding achievements in space exploration and emphasized Russia’s firm support for its space endeavors.

In 1984, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the first Indian cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma’s space flight aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, Babushkin highlighted Russia and India’s enduring presence in space Partnerships.

Babushkin’s speech also highlighted the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission and the collaborative efforts of the Gagayan project.

“Russia has always supported India’s success,” Babushkin told ANI, highlighting the historic collaboration symbolized by figures like Rakesh Sharma.

Notably, he commemorated the achievements of Rakesh Sharma, who went down in history as India’s first astronaut.

He praised India’s independent space research program, which not only benefits the country but also provides assistance to other countries in launching satellites.

Babushkin delivered a speech ahead of the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, emphasizing Russia’s firm support for India’s space industry and highlighting the important milestones India has achieved in this field.

From the recent victory of Chandrayaan-3 to the ambitious Gagayan mission, Russia has played a key role in nurturing India’s space capabilities, including training astronauts and assisting in spacecraft development.

Speaking at a rally at the Russian Embassy, ​​he also said: “The space domain is proof of our special and privileged strategic partnership.”

“As a pioneer in space exploration, Russia has always supported India’s success. Our cooperation dates back to 1975, when the Soviet Union helped launch India’s first satellite, Aryabhata. The second satellite, Bhaskara, was launched by the Soviet Union in 1979. ” He add.

Referring to India’s Chandrayaan programme, he went on to say: “India now has a strong national space program and rightfully enjoys its status as a space superpower, renowned, reliable and preferred in space science and satellite launches global partners. The success of the Chandrayaan-3 project is a huge milestone.”

Babushkin further talked about India’s space cooperation with Russia, highlighting the cooperation between the Indian Space Research Organization and the Russian Federal Space Agency.

“Russia remains one of India’s key partners. Russian state company ‘Roscosmos’ and ISRO are deeply involved in the implementation of India’s Gaganyan mission, including training astronauts, providing assistance in the development of manned spacecraft, providing life support and crew Escape systems, flight suits, couches, velocity sensors, cooperation in thermal protective coatings, applied materials and capacity building in space medicine,” the diplomat said.

“Our dynamic partnerships include space propulsion engineering, refrigerant engine construction, satellite navigation and building ground stations to receive communications signals. We are exploring new trajectories arising from the prospect of wider participation from the private sector and start-ups,” he added.

Babushkin further emphasized how India and Russia are “closely coordinated” on dedicated multilateral platforms, starting with the United Nations and its Committee on Outer Space. He also went on to emphasize that April is cause for celebration.

“We maintain in-depth dialogue to prevent an arms race in outer space and promote Russia’s initiative not to deploy weapons in outer space. This is also part of our BRICS agenda, including the long-range satellite constellation agreement,” he said. explain.

“We have many reasons to celebrate this month, including commemorating the 63rd anniversary of the legendary Yuri Gagarin’s first manned flight into space on April 12, and the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and India on April 13. Russia serves as the BRICS Expanded Presidency. However, the historical importance of the theme of space and Rakesh Sharma’s great deeds that embodied the spirit of our friendship should undoubtedly be the backdrop for our overall cooperation in 2024.”

On Wednesday, the Russian Embassy and the TASS news agency jointly organized a special photography exhibition, including a unique archive of photographic material, and screened the documentary “How I became a cosmonaut.”

Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian citizen to reach outer space aboard a Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11 launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

He spent 7 days, 21 hours and 40 minutes in space, leading India to become the 14th country to travel to outer space. Sharma’s work focuses on biomedicine and remote sensing.

Sharma has conducted several scientific studies and experiments, including remote sensing and biomedicine. The crew even held meetings with space officials. When the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked Sharma what India looked like from outer space, Sharma said: “Saare Jahaan Se Achcha.

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