NEW DELHI, June 11 (UPI) -- India said it will set up a special government agency to counter the growing threat to its space assets.

Defense Minister A.K. Antony told a military conference that the government would set up an integrated space cell under the aegis of the Integrated Defense Services Head Quarters to counter the growing threat to the country's space assets.

Antony said India wanted to utilize space for peaceful purposes and remain committed to the policy of non-weaponization of space, adding offensive counter-space systems like anti-satellite weaponry, new classes of heavy lift and small boosters and an improved array of military space systems have emerged in the neighborhood.

The minister pointed out the new space cell would act as a single window for integration among the armed forces, department of space, and the Indian Space Research Organization.

China had knocked out its own aging weather satellite in space early last year, in what was a demonstration of its capability to weaponize space. The Chinese test had caused considerable concern in the Indian security establishment, local media reported Wednesday.