The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given ex post-facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Tunisia on Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer space for Peaceful Purposes. The MoU was signed at Bengaluru, India on 11^th June, 2019.

Impact:

• This Agreement shall enable the following cooperation in space science, technology and applications including 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 Agreement would lead to setting up of a Joint Working Group, drawing members from Department of Space/ISRO, India and the National Centre for Cartography and Remote Sensing, Tunisia which will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this MoU.

Background:

Tunisian Minister for Communication Technologies and Digital Economy, during his visit to India in July 2015 expressed interest to pursue space cooperation with India. Tunisia is in the process of evolving space programme and desired to learn from ISRO’s experience for the same.

          As a follow up, India and Tunisia have signed the MoU at Bengaluru, India.

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