Ajey Lele

Deputy Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt (Dr) Ajey Lele’s article ‘NASA wants ISRO on its Moon base. India must consider the risks’ has been published in ‘The Print’ on 19 August 2026. The Artemis Accords are a voluntary, non-binding arrangement but they are developed outside the UN negotiating process. Particularly in relation to space-resource activities, says Gp Capt Lele. Read Complete Article [+] Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India

Deputy Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt (Dr) Ajey Lele’s article ‘Falcon 9 Rocket Crash on Moon Exposes Gaps in International Space Law’ has been published in ‘The Wire’ on 06 August 2026. Broadly, the Falcon 9 impact represents more than an isolated mission anomaly; it offers valuable scientific insights while highlighting emerging challenges for future lunar exploration, says Gp Capt Lele. Read Complete Article [+] Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India

Deputy Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt (Dr) Ajey Lele’s opinion piece ‘Vikram-1: A success for India’s entire space ecosystem’ has been published in ‘The Space Review’ on 20 July 2026. The successful orbital launch of Vikram-1 marks a defining moment in India’s space journey, demonstrating that the country could emerge as a hub for private launch services in near future, says Gp Capt Lele. Read Complete Article [+] Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India.

Deputy Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt (Dr) Ajey Lele’s opinion piece ‘Skyroot’s Vikram-1 success shows it’s time for ISRO to redefine its role’ has been published in ‘The Print’ on 21 July 2026. India's private space sector has progressed because of the mature ecosystem created by ISRO. Vikram-1's success is not solely an outcome of Skyroot Aerospace's efforts, says Gp Capt Lele. Read Complete Article [+] Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India.

Deputy Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt (Dr) Ajey Lele’s article ‘With Its Reusable Rocket Breakthrough, is China Set to Become a Challenger to SpaceX’s Dominance?’ has been published in ‘The Wire’ on 17 July 2026. LM-10B has been developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, which is the country’s leading state-owned rocket manufacturer involved in designing and developing launch vehicles for commercial missions, writes Gp Capt Lele. Read Complete Article [+] Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India.

China’s rapid progress in nuclear fusion highlights its ambition to emerge as a dominant force in next-generation energy technologies.

• Ajey Lele |
• July 07, 2026 |
• IDSA Comments

There is a need to invest in integrated chemical-biological surveillance, rapid toxicological diagnostics, emergency medical response, and public awareness mechanisms.

• Ajey Lele |
• June 30, 2026 |
• IDSA Comments

Deputy Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt (Dr) Ajey Lele’s article ‘Why the Seizure of More than 1 Lakh Illegal Exotic Cockroaches in Australia is a Big Biosecurity Warning’ has been published in ‘The Wire’ on 19 June 2026.

The introduction of non-native insect species into new environments can have far reaching ecological consequences, Writes Gp Capt Lele.

Deputy Director General, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Gp Capt (Dr) Ajey Lele’s chapter ‘India’s Growing Stature in the Global Space Arena’ has been published in Clelia Iacomino and Francesco Rosazza Boneitin edited ISPI Report 2026 ‘Space Companies and States: A Two-Horse Race?’. Download Complete Article [PDF]

The successful test of the Agni-5 with MIRV capability serves as a clear signal of India’s credible nuclear deterrence posture.

• Ajey Lele |
• May 11, 2026 |
• IDSA Comments