ISRO Assumes Lead Role in 'International Charter on Space and Major Disasters.

India, through its national space agency — the Bengaluru, Karnataka-based Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) — has assumed the lead role of the "International Charter: Space and Major Disasters" for a period of six months starting from April 2025. This leadership role officially began during the 53rd Charter meeting, hosted by ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) from April 14 to 17, 2025, in Hyderabad, Telangana.

      - The 53rd Charter meeting witnessed participation from major global space agencies involved in space-based disaster management activities, with 22 foreign delegates attending in person. This gathering highlighted ISRO’s growing stature in the global space and disaster management community.

      - India is a signatory to the International Charter, which marks its 25th anniversary in 2025. The Charter serves as a critical global framework for providing Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) data and collaborating with experts to support disaster relief efforts, helping save lives, property, and infrastructure during major disasters worldwide.

      - The International Charter operates as a collaborative initiative involving 17 member organizations. These members voluntarily supply Earth observation data and value-added products to assist in managing disasters across the globe. The Charter’s services extend to more than 120 countries, ensuring even nations with limited space capabilities can access vital satellite-based information.

Main Point :-   (i) Assuming the lead role places India at the strategic core of coordinating global disaster response efforts through space-based assets. ISRO’s responsibilities include managing activation requests, ensuring the rapid delivery of satellite products, leading strategic planning activities, supervising the delivery of satellite imagery from partner agencies, and promoting training, outreach, and capacity-building efforts.

      (ii) Since 2021, ISRO has actively contributed to the Charter by responding to 153 activation requests and delivering nearly 700 Earth observation products. These contributions include flood extent maps, landslide assessments, infrastructure damage evaluations, and aiding in post-disaster recovery planning efforts across various affected regions.

(iii) Not only has India contributed significantly to Charter operations, but it has also benefited from Charter activations during times of natural calamities within the country. This two-way engagement reinforces India’s role as both a benefactor and a beneficiary within the global disaster management community.
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