Context: Recently, Union Cabinet approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of the Republic of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan on Cooperation in the peaceful users of outer space.
Background

• India and Bhutan have been discussing on establishing formal space cooperation.
• The template for Inter-Governmental MoU for Space cooperation was shared with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in 2017 for further taking up with Bhutan.
• In November 2020, the MoU was signed between the leaders of India and Bhutan.

Key highlights
The MoU shall enable India and Bhutan to pursue cooperation in potential interest areas such as:

• Remote sensing of the earth;
• Satellite communication and satellite-based navigation;
• Space science and planetary exploration;
• Use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system; and
• Application of space technology

The MoU would lead to concluding specific Implementing Arrangement on specific areas of cooperation and setting up of Joint Working Group.

• The working group will aim to work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this MoU.
• The MoU would lead to develop a joint activity in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity.