The International Institute of Space Law (IISL) was honoured to be represented by a distinguished delegation in New Delhi, India, on 25–26 June 2025. The delegation was led by Dr Kai-Uwe Schrogl, President of IISL and Special Adviser for Political Affairs at the European Space Agency, alongside Dr Ranjana Kaul, Vice-President of IISL, and Ms Shrawani Shagun, IISL member and space
law researcher at National Law University, Delhi.
Engagement at the Indian Society of International Law (ISIL)
On 25 June 2025, Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl delivered a keynote lecture on “Space Law and Space Security” at the Indian Society of International Law, New Delhi. The session, attended by students, academics, and legal professionals, brought together a diverse group for a high- level discussion on the evolving challenges in outer space governance. Dr. Schrogl’s insights into the intersection of international legal instruments and geopolitical developments highlighted the urgent need for a secure, rules-based approach to space activities. Dr Schrogl’s keynote was met by an extremely knowledgeable audience, launching an inspiring debate on the whole range of current topics of international and national space law from the status of the treaties to issues of sustainability and security.
Visit the National Law University, Delhi
Earlier on the same day, the IISL delegation was received at National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) by the Vice Chancellor and his team dealing with space law (Shrawani Shagun Jha conducts the final phase of her Ph.D. research there). The fruitful discussion hosting Dr Kai-Uwe Schrogl and Dr Ranjana Kaul focused on academic collaboration and capacity- building in space law, and was held with Prof. G.S. Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor of NLU Delhi, and faculty members Dr. Monika Negi and Prof. Daniel Mathew. The visit emphasized the growing interest in space law education in India and the potential for IISL to support the development of future scholars and practitioners in the field. The IISL delegation was impressed by the enormous knowledge base and the influence NLU has on legal developments through its expertise.
Participation at India Space Congress 2025
On 26 June 2025, Dr Schrogl also participated in the India Space Congress 2025, delivering a plenary address on the theme: “Pioneering Innovations in Space Technology: India’s Journey Towards Global Partnership.” His remarks, delivered under the sub-theme Space law and regulations: achieving safe and sustainable uses of outer space,’ underscored the central role of legal frameworks in
ensuring responsible conduct in an increasingly congested and competitive orbital environment.
Despite Delhi’s challenging summer climate, the IISL delegation actively engaged across institutions and forums, showcasing the Institute’s enduring commitment to advancing space law education and international cooperation.
Looking Ahead
This visit marks an essential step in expanding IISL’s engagement with Indian legal academia and policy communities. With India’s rising profile in the global space sector, such interactions are vital in ensuring inclusive, sustainable, and secure development of outer space sustainable, and secure development of outer space governance.
Thank you to Prof. G.S. Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor of NLU Delhi, and faculty members Prof. Daniel Mathew, Dr. Garima Tiwari, Dr. Monika Negi at NLU and President Prof. V.G. Hedge, Dr. Kumar Abhijeet and Dr. Umesh Chandra Jha at ISIL for their interest in cooperating with IISL. IISL also takes this occasion to express again IISL’s highest appreciation to Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar, India for hosting this (and next) year’s Asia-Pacific regional rounds of the IISL Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition. The event was excellently organised a few weeks ago under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar, (Director, GNLU) and Dr. Nitin Malik (Registrar, GNLU) by Prof. Girish R. (Faculty Convenor, Moot Court Committee), Dr. Divya Tyagi (Regional Organizer), Mr. Avi Maheshwari (Student Convenor, Moot Court Committee) and Ms. Vismita Rathi (Student Co-convenor, Moot Court Committee).
