Budget may cut reliance on foreign telescopes, but trips on space spending

The upcoming budget is expected to reduce India's dependence on foreign astronomical telescopes, a move that aims to enhance local research capabilities. Currently, only a handful of prominent global observatories facilitate significant astronomical discoveries, leading to fierce competition among researchers for observation time. National funding agencies often prioritize their domestic scientists, thereby limiting access for international researchers, including those from India. This budgetary shift could pave the way for increased investment in indigenous astronomical projects, potentially allowing Indian scientists greater opportunities to conduct their own observations and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in the field. As India seeks to bolster its position in global space research, this strategic realignment may also reflect a broader commitment to developing homegrown scientific infrastructure. By investing in local facilities, India aims to not only enhance its research output but also to foster a new generation of astronomers capable of making significant contributions to the global scientific community.