LEGAL ASPECTS OF SPACE LAW IN INDIA: CHALLANGES AND THE WAY FORWARD

As India emerges as a global space power, the lack of a comprehensive domestic legal framework presents significant challenges for regulation, liability, and international compliance. This paper examines the necessity of designated space legislation in India, beginning with the fundamental legal ambiguity regarding the boundary between airspace and outer space, specifically the Karman Line. While India has achieved remarkable technological milestones through the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), its current reliance on administrative guidelines rather than a codified statute creates a legal "vacuum" as private actors increasingly enter the sector. Under the Outer Space Treaty (OST) of 1967, India remains internationally responsible for both governmental and commercial space activities, leaving the state vulnerable to financial risks and legal disputes without domestic rules on licensing, insurance, and traffic management. By analyzing global standards and the foundations of international space law, this paper argues for a modern, transparent legislative framework. Strengthening these domestic laws and empowering bodies like IN-SPACe will allow India to foster private innovation, manage national security, and solidify its role as a responsible participant in the governance of the "global common."