Drone owners and operators in India will need to register with the authorities by the end of January.
The country’s Ministry of Civil Aviation says the registration is a “one-time opportunity for voluntary disclosure”, which will help the authorities in identification of civil drones and their operators.
As part of registration processes, drone operators have to obtain a unique identification number, as well as a permit, and meet other operational requirements set by the Indian authorities, in order to be able to operate the drones.
Those found with unregistered drones will be liable to criminal prosecution.
India’s move to mandate drone registration follows fellow Asian country Singapore’s move to do likewise.
Since 2 January, any unmanned aircraft that weighs more than 250g has to be registered before it can be operated in Singapore.
