The two-week rally, which sees competitors brave a 9000-kilometre route that weaves through Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, commences on Saturday in Buenos Aires.
Santosh will compete on the bike for KTM against 167 competitors in an event widely considered the toughest challenge in motorsport.
“For some people, it's a 100 metres sprint at the Olympics, for me it's the Dakar Rally,” Santosh told NDTV Sports.
“I'm going to be on the ceremonial stand. I will definitely have the Indian flag out.
“You know it is the first time an Indian has made it so I think I have just opened the doors. I know for sure that in the years to come we will see more Indian participants at this level.”
The rally returns to Buenos Aires for its conclusion on January 17.