India's defence strategy in space has undergone significant transformation since 2019, particularly with the establishment of the Defence Space Agency (DSA) and the successful Mission Shakti, which demonstrated its anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities. This positioned India as the fourth nation with proven space deterrence. The growing reliance on satellites for military operations has made space a crucial aspect of national security. However, challenges persist, particularly regarding the protection of civilian satellites that support military functions, as the Indian Space Policy 2023 does not explicitly categorize these assets as critical national security infrastructure. This gap poses a strategic vulnerability, as adversaries could target civilian satellites without triggering a formal military response. The Joint Doctrine for Space aims to address these issues by recognizing space as a warfighting domain, but successful implementation hinges on institutional authority and resource allocation. Furthermore, India must strengthen its military space architecture, including the planned Space-Based Surveillance Phase-III programme, and develop human capital in the field of space studies. As India aspires to become a leading space power, it must integrate its military and civilian space capabilities effectively.