Prime Minister Narendra Modi met founders and CEOs of 20 Indian space startups on Friday, calling for greater collaboration across industries as India seeks to establish itself as a global hub for space technology.
During the interaction at Seva Teerth in New Delhi, Modi reviewed technologies being developed by India’s rapidly expanding private space sector, ranging from launch vehicles and satellites to artificial intelligence-powered weather systems.
The participating companies are working across several areas, including rockets, reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicles, avionics, satellite systems and advanced propulsion technologies. Their work also extends to space and defence intelligence, space debris removal and hyperlocal weather and climate forecasting using artificial intelligence.
Focus on indigenous space technologies
Startup founders highlighted efforts to develop indigenous technologies and strengthen India’s domestic capabilities in the space sector.
They also pointed to increased government support and collaboration within the industry as important factors behind the sector’s growth following India’s decision to open space activities to greater private participation.
Modi said the progress and confidence demonstrated by private companies had reinforced the government’s decision to liberalize the sector.
He urged startups to look beyond traditional space applications and explore partnerships with environmental organizations, agricultural universities and government departments.
Such collaboration, he said, could help use space-based technologies to address everyday challenges, improve productivity and expand their benefits across different sectors of the economy.
India targets global space leadership
India has been working to expand private participation in an industry that was historically dominated by government agencies.
The emergence of startups specializing in launch systems, satellite technology, data analytics, propulsion and other advanced applications has become an increasingly important part of the country’s broader space ambitions.
The meeting with the 20 startups highlights the government’s push to accelerate that development by encouraging innovation, indigenous manufacturing and cooperation between private companies and public institutions.
Modi called on the industry to build on its recent progress and help position India as a globally competitive centre for space technology and innovation.
