Eye on China: India to build satellite tracking and imaging centre in Vietnam

New Delhi: Taking forward the strategic relationship between the two countries to the next level, India will build a satellite tracking and imaging centre in southern Vietnam.

The new high-tech centre will provide Vietnam access to pictures from Indian earth observation satellites that have a footprint over the region, including China and the South China Sea.

While the images from the satellites primarily have agricultural, scientific and environmental applications, experts hold the view that the imaging technology could also be used for military purposes.

That is significant as both India and China have long standing disputes with China.

The centre will be set up by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The new centre in Ho Chi Minh City will also help ISRO monitor its satellite launches.

India currently has ground stations in the Andaman and Nicobar islands, Brunei, Indonesia and Mauritius to track its satellites in the initial stages of flight.