Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the International Conference on Space 2025, declaring India’s entry into a transformative phase of space exploration.
Speaking virtually, the Minister outlined ambitious national goals including the establishment of a Bharatiya Space Station by 2035 and sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
Themed “Harnessing Space for Global Progress: Innovation, Policy, and Growth,” the conference brought together over 500 delegates from across the globe, including government officials, industry leaders, academics, and startups. Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the event served as a platform to discuss India’s evolving space strategy.
Dr. Singh highlighted recent milestones such as the success of Chandrayaan-3, which made India the first nation to land near the lunar south pole, and the historic journey of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station. He also emphasized upcoming missions to Mars, Venus, and asteroids, along with the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, space reforms have opened the sector to private players and academia. Over 300 startups are now actively contributing to launch vehicles, satellite systems, and ground infrastructure, forming the backbone of India’s space innovation ecosystem.
The Minister stressed the importance of international collaboration, citing the NASA–ISRO NISAR mission and the upcoming Chandrayaan-5 partnership with Japan. He also underscored the role of space technologies in transforming agriculture, healthcare, education, and governance.
Skill development remains a key pillar, with ISRO outreach programs and Centres of Excellence nurturing talent in satellite design, propulsion, AI applications, and space law.
Concluding his address, Dr. Singh echoed Prime Minister Modi’s vision that the 21st century belongs to India, with space as a frontier of global leadership. “Let us dream together, innovate together, and build together — transforming space from a distant frontier into a shared horizon of unity and progress,” he said.
