New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Minister of State for Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the International Conference on Space 2025, calling for harnessing space as a driver of global progress.
Speaking at the inaugural session, themed “Harnessing Space for Global Progress: Innovation, Policy, and Growth”, Dr Singh emphasized India’s ambitious space roadmap, including the establishment of a Bharatiya Space Station by 2035 and the landing of an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040.
India’s Space Goals Highlighted at International Conference on Space 2025
During his address, Dr Singh highlighted India’s transformative space achievements, including the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which placed India among the world’s leading spacefaring nations by becoming the first to land near the lunar south pole. He also noted the milestone achieved by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian Air Force officer to travel to the International Space Station.
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Future missions to Mars, Venus, asteroids, and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme were outlined as part of India’s long-term exploration strategy.
Startups at the Forefront of Space Reforms
The Minister underlined that over 300 startups are actively contributing to India’s space ecosystem, focusing on launch vehicles, satellites, and ground systems.
These reforms, driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, are enabling private participation, fostering innovation, and generating new opportunities for employment and investment.
Global Cooperation Emphasized at International Conference on Space 2025
Dr Singh stressed the importance of international collaboration, citing India’s joint projects such as the NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission and the upcoming Chandrayaan-5 mission with Japan.
Such partnerships, he said, exemplify how space serves as a platform for global engagement and technological advancement.
Skill Development and Everyday Applications
The Minister also emphasized skill development as a cornerstone of India’s space vision. Through ISRO outreach, Centres of Excellence, and industry–academia collaborations, talent is being nurtured in areas such as satellite design, propulsion, AI-driven space applications, and space law.
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He reiterated that the true value of space lies in its impact on daily life — from agriculture and health to education, urban development, and governance. “Space must empower every sector and serve the common citizen,” he remarked.
International Conference on Space 2025 Brings Together Global Stakeholders
International Conference on Space 2025, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), saw participation from more than 500 delegates, including government officials, academic leaders, industry experts, and startups. Dr. Singh also welcomed the launch of CII’s National Committee on Space, aimed at building stronger synergies between established enterprises and new-age startups.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister reaffirmed India’s vision of using space for sustainability, equity, and global development. He said, “India’s space journey is one of perseverance and innovation. Let us dream together, innovate together, and build together — transforming space from a distant frontier into a shared horizon of unity and progress.”
