Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the first International Space Summit in Paris via video link on September 10, 2026. He called for countries to work together on space exploration in a spirit of cooperation rather than competition. His remarks outlined India’s growing role in space science and invited other nations to partner with Indian space initiatives.
What India is doing in space
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has deployed over 430 payloads from 34 countries using Indian rockets. India’s space achievements include the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made India the first nation to land near the lunar south pole. The Aditya-L1 spacecraft is currently studying the Sun. An Indian astronaut visited the International Space Station in the previous year.
Looking ahead, India plans to build its own space station by 2035 and send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040. The country’s private space sector is also expanding alongside government agencies like ISRO.
The Prime Minister noted that Indian satellites serve practical purposes on Earth, including weather forecasting, disaster management, and navigation systems used by farmers and fishermen.
India’s approach to global space cooperation
The Prime Minister emphasized three principles: cooperation over confrontation, long-term sustainability over short-term advantage, and inclusion over exclusion. He stated that India believes space should remain safe, secure, peaceful and sustainable, guided by international law and multilateral dialogue. He also highlighted that scientific data should be shared openly for the common good.
France has been India’s partner since the Indian space program began at Thumba in the 1960s. Current joint work spans Earth observation and advanced technologies.
What this means for you
India’s space investments directly benefit ordinary citizens through satellite technology that improves weather forecasts, helps during disasters, and provides navigation services. The focus on international cooperation means more countries may participate in Indian space missions. As the private space sector grows, new commercial opportunities in space-related industries may emerge within India. The planned space station and Moon mission represent long-term national goals that could inspire scientific careers and innovation.