Space Conference: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh today said that India is entering a transformative phase in its space journey, with ambitious goals ranging from a Bharatiya Space Station by 2035 to landing an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040. He was speaking virtually at the inaugural session of the International Conference on Space 2025, themed “Harnessing Space for Global Progress: Innovation, Policy, and Growth.”
Highlighting recent milestones, the Minister referred to the success of Chandrayaan-3, which placed India among the leading spacefaring nations by becoming the first to land near the lunar south pole. He also pointed to the achievements of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian Air Force officer to travel to the International Space Station, and outlined India’s upcoming exploration missions to Mars, Venus, and asteroids, alongside the human spaceflight programme Gaganyaan.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the role of reforms initiated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, which have opened the sector to private participation, startups, and academia. Over 300 startups are currently active in areas including launch vehicles, satellites, and ground systems. This, he said, is not only fostering innovation but also generating jobs, investments, and opportunities for young professionals.
He noted that the true value of space lies in its applications across everyday life — from agriculture and health to education, urban development, and governance. “Space must empower every sector and serve the common citizen,” he said.
The Minister also emphasized India’s commitment to international collaboration. He cited recent partnerships such as the joint NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission with the United States, and the upcoming Chandrayaan-5 lunar mission with Japan. Such cooperation, he added, demonstrates how space can serve as a powerful platform for global engagement.
Skill development, he said, remains a critical pillar of India’s space strategy. Through ISRO outreach programmes, academic Centres of Excellence, and industry–academia collaborations, the country is nurturing talent in fields such as satellite design, propulsion, AI-driven applications, and space law.
The conference, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), has drawn over 500 delegates from India and abroad, including government representatives, academics, industry leaders, and startups. Dr. Jitendra Singh commended CII for creating a platform that brings together stakeholders to discuss innovation, policy, and growth in the sector.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that the 21st century belongs to India, with space emerging as a frontier where the nation’s leadership will be globally recognized. He stressed that the application of space technologies will not only transform agriculture, health, and education but also strengthen governance and public service delivery. The Minister welcomed the formation of CII’s National Committee on Space, which he said would serve as a vital platform to bring together established enterprises and new-age startups for building a stronger ecosystem.
Concluding his address, the Minister reiterated India’s vision of using space for sustainability, equity, and global progress. “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,” he said
