New Delhi: India Space Economy, currently valued at around USD 9 billion, is expected to reach USD 40–45 billion over the next seven to eight years, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said at a media roundtable in New Delhi.
Speaking at the “Space, Sovereignty and New Economy” roundtable organised by the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India must now move beyond demonstrating its space capabilities and focus on building globally competitive commercial space companies.
The Minister highlighted increasing private investment following the opening of India’s space sector to private participation and said greater domestic and international investment, predictable demand, faster regulatory approvals and sustainable business models would be essential to scaling the India Space Economy.
The discussion examined how countries can translate sovereign space capabilities into commercially competitive industries, attract private capital and develop stronger supply chains while safeguarding national interests.
Participants also discussed the evolving global space economy, international partnerships and the challenges involved in scaling up private space enterprises.
Among the prominent participants were Vinod Kumar, Director (Promotion), Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), and Aisha Bowe, Founder and CEO of STEMBoard and LINGO, former NASA engineer and Blue Origin astronaut.
The session brought together representatives from the space industry, entrepreneurship, academia and the international space community.
India’s Space Sector Opens to Private Participation
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the opening of India’s space sector to private participation in 2019–2020 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had produced significant results within five to six years.
According to the Minister, India’s experience demonstrates the potential of bringing government institutions and private industry together in a sector requiring substantial technological expertise, investment and long-term commitment.
The priority for the India Space Economy now is to convert technological capabilities into commercially viable businesses with the scale required to compete internationally.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said greater private participation can help expand the country’s space capabilities while creating opportunities for companies to develop products and services for domestic and international markets.
Predictable Demand Key to Private Space Industry
The Minister stressed that generating demand will be essential for the growth of private space companies.
Referring to the Government’s use-case-based approach, he said anchor government customers and support for proof-of-concept projects can help enterprises demonstrate their technologies and move towards commercial deployment.
A predictable customer base can provide companies with the confidence to invest in production, develop market-ready products and establish sustainable revenue streams, supporting the expansion of the India Space Economy.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted the importance of timely regulatory approvals, lower business costs and stronger supply-chain integration.
Companies seeking installation or export licences should be able to obtain the necessary approvals within defined timeframes, he said.
Referring to GST-related measures for space products, the Minister said reforms must translate into practical benefits for industry. According to him, investment becomes sustainable when businesses have predictable demand, efficient processes and a clear path to commercial growth.
Investment and International Cooperation
On investment and international cooperation, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India is opening opportunities for capital and partnerships while continuing to strengthen indigenous capabilities.
Greater investment can support technology development, manufacturing and access to international markets, while domestic capabilities remain important for national security and strategic autonomy.
The Minister called for stronger collaboration between Indian government institutions and private enterprises, complemented by partnerships with international counterparts.
Such collaboration can help Indian companies integrate into global supply chains, expand their customer base and contribute to the wider India Space Economy without compromising national interests.
The objective, he said, is to combine the strengths of public and private enterprises in India with the capabilities of partners abroad.
Space Technology Driving Development on Earth
Dr. Jitendra Singh said India’s space programme is distinguished not only by achievements in space but also by the extensive use of space technology on Earth.
Satellite communications, geospatial applications and Earth observation are supporting infrastructure development, project monitoring, agriculture, disaster management and defence.
The Minister referred to the use of space technology for project clearances, monitoring implementation timelines and geotagging development works.
India is also providing space-based information and support for disaster management to neighbouring countries, including Myanmar, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
These applications demonstrate how investments in space capabilities can improve public services, support development and create opportunities for commercial applications, further expanding the potential of the India Space Economy.
Downstream Applications to Expand Space Market
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the wider economic value of the space sector lies in connecting technological achievements with practical applications and the needs of citizens.
Alongside launch vehicles and satellites, downstream services, data-driven solutions and industrial applications will be important in expanding the market for Indian space companies.
The growth of the India Space Economy will therefore depend not only on space missions and technological achievements but also on the development of commercially viable applications and services.
The Minister emphasised that national space capabilities and international cooperation need not be competing objectives.
India must continue to build its technological strengths while working with global partners to expand opportunities for its industry, he said.
Stronger domestic and international public-private partnerships can support investment, technology development, supply-chain integration and access to new markets.
India Space Economy: Next Phase of Space Growth
Dr. Jitendra Singh also stressed the importance of remaining open to progressive ideas and adapting policies as technology and industry requirements evolve.
The opening of the space sector to private participation reflects the value of enabling new players to contribute alongside established public institutions.
India’s next phase of space-sector growth will depend on turning technological strengths into commercially successful enterprises.
Greater investment, predictable demand, efficient regulatory processes, indigenous capabilities and international partnerships will be central to this transition, positioning the India Space Economy for a larger role in the global space economy.
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