A delegation of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) led by the space agency's chairman S Somanath on Monday discussed expanding India-Bhutan space cooperation and ways to deepen tech ties further. The ISRO delegation met dignitaries from Bhutan, including Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Tandi Dorji. 

There was a wide range of discussions on expanding space tech cooperation through capacity building and focus on the application of space data and technology across sectors for the benefit of people, the official Twitter handle of the Embassy of India, Thimphu, said. 

The delegates from ISRO and Bhutan reviewed the experience and milestones achieved, including the launch of the India-Bhutan joint satellite in 2022. On November 26, 2022, ISRO launched nine nano-satellites, including BhutanSat, as part of the PSLV C-54 or EOS-06 mission. BhutanSat is a Bhutanese satellite.

Somanath, along with Bhutan FM Dorji, Bhutan's Minister for Information and Communication Lyonpo Karma Donnen Wangdi, and Ambassador of India to Bhutan, Sudhakar Dalela inaugurated a Ground-Earth station for the India-Bhutan satellite today. The station has been established in Thimphu. 

The data from BhutanSat will be used for assessing inland water quality, forest and biomass cover, snow and glacier cover, and Bhutan's geology and hydrology. 

The Indian Embassy further stated that the ground-Earth station is a testament to the vision of the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and PM Narendra Modi, to take the India-Bhutan partnership to new and emerging areas critical to the 21st century.

Image courtesy: Twitter/@Indiainbhutan