Delhi: The US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, has announced that by the end of this year, America will fulfill its promise of sending an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station. Along with this, the joint mission between NASA and ISRO, known as NISAR, is also expected to be launched by the end of the year.
Speaking at an event celebrating the 248th Independence Day of the United States, Garcetti emphasized the importance of cooperation between India and the US in research and emerging technology. He highlighted India’s success in landing ‘Chandrayaan 3’ on the Moon last year at a fraction of the cost incurred by the US for a similar mission.
The ambassador also mentioned the potential for collaboration in the field of civilian nuclear energy, stating that outstanding liability issues can be addressed and both countries can move forward together. Two sites, Mithi Virdhi in Gujarat and Kovadda in Andhra Pradesh, have been identified for US companies to build nuclear reactors, but concerns have been raised over India’s Civil Liability Nuclear Damage Act.
However, Garcetti remains optimistic about working together in this arena after elections in India. Overall, he believes that combining the strengths of both countries can lead to great advancements in various fields.
