India’s Space Mission Enters New Phase

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India seeks a safe, sustainable and internationally law-abiding space sector, with scientific data generated through space exploration being used for the collective benefit of humanity. Addressing the first International Astronautical Summit in Paris virtually on Thursday, Modi highlighted India’s contribution to the global space sector and said technologies developed by ISRO and its international partnerships have benefited countries around the world. He said the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” guides India’s approach to space, with the vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future” extending from Earth to outer space.

Modi praised ISRO for strengthening India’s space programme, noting that its efforts have earned global trust and benefited farmers, fishermen and disaster-management systems through weather and other satellite-based services. He said Indian rockets have so far launched 430 satellites from 34 countries. Recalling Chandrayaan-3’s historic achievement near the Moon’s south polar region, Modi said India aims to establish its own space station by 2035 and land an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040. He also spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the phone on Thursday and said India and Germany would further strengthen their strategic partnership in trade, investment, defence, alternative energy and advanced technology as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.