Emphasizing the significance of this contract, Jean-Marie Luton said, "I would particularly like to thank the Indian government for their loyalty to Arianespace in once again selecting our launch services. This choice by one of the world's leading space nations reflects India's sustained confidence and the ongoing cooperation between ISRO and Arianespace."

Insat 3B is a third-generation satellite of the Insat program. Built by ISRO in Bangalore, southern India, this high-power satellite will weigh approximately 2,070 kg (4,554 lb) at liftoff. Fitted with seventeen C-band, six Ku-band and three S-band transponders, it will provide the whole of the Indian continent with domestic telecommunications: data transmission, telephony and TV broadcast services.

Since the launch of India's Apple experimental satellite in June 1981 (L03), Arianespace has placed in orbit Insat 1C in July 1988 (Flight 24), Insat 2A in July 1992 (Flight 51), 2B in July 1993 (Flight 58), 2C in December 1995 (Flight 81) and 2D in June 1997 (Flight 97). The launch of Insat 2E is slated for early 1999. Within the scope of the CAPE agreement (Committee for the Auxiliary Payloads Policy Execution) signed in 1998, ISRO and Arianespace are pooling the capabilities of India's PSLV launcher and Ariane to offer launch opportunities for small satellite users (20 to 180 kg).

Following the signing of this contract and prior to the launch of Flight 110, Arianespace's order book now stands at 40 satellites to be launched.