They will also explore opportunities for cooperation in space situational awareness and professional exchange programmes

Continuing with the their cooperation in the peaceful use of space, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAEA) on Thursday signed an agreement implementing arrangement for collaborative activities on rice crop area and air quality monitoring.

Apart from reviewing on-going cooperation in earth observation, lunar exploration and satellite navigation, both sides have agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in space situational awareness and professional exchange programmes, said a
statement issued by ISRO.

ISRO Chairman K Sivan and JAXA President Hitoshi Yamakawa, President JAXA led the respective delegations during the meeting held through the virtual mode.

The inaugural India-Japan Space Dialogue was held in Delhi in 2019 for enhancing bilateral cooperation in outer space and information exchange on the respective space policies.

In 2016, ISRO and JAXA had signed a MoU to pursue future cooperative activities in the use and exploration of outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes.

ISRO and JAXA scientists are also exploring the possibility of cooperation in realizing a joint satellite mission to explore the moon.

On March 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide, where the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in the India-Japan Special Strategic & Global Partnership in the last few years.