Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged India's private space companies to build an ecosystem that attracts talent, investment and businesses from across the world.
Speaking to CEOs and founders of 20 space startups ahead of National Space Day on Aug. 23, Modi said India should become a destination where people come to build careers in the space sector. He said the country needs to create an “aura” strong enough to draw global talent towards Indian startups and space agencies.
PM Modi said India's cost advantage, skilled workforce and willingness to take risks could help the country establish itself quickly in the global space industry.
ALSO READ | India's Space Economy Projected To Reach $40-45 Billion By 2037
He also highlighted policy stability as an important factor for startups operating in a capital intensive sector. According to PM Modi, entrepreneurs need confidence that government policies will remain consistent as they take risks and invest in new technologies.
The interaction also highlighted the rapid expansion of India's private space industry. Startup founders told Modi that investor confidence has strengthened after successful private rocket launches and that Indian companies are securing growing interest from international customers.
Skyroot Aerospace, India's first space tech unicorn, was among the companies represented at the meeting.
Founders said the industry is targeting a sharp increase in launch capacity. They aim to reach one launch every month by mid 2027, with a longer term ambition of moving towards weekly launches and eventually multiple launches a day.
The 20 startups at the interaction included Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, GalaxEye, PierSight, Bellatrix Aerospace, Digantara and SatSure, among others.
Modi also called for wider use of space technology beyond traditional applications. He urged startups to explore opportunities in agriculture, livestock, dairy and environmental monitoring, linking space innovation more closely with everyday economic activity.
The Prime Minister's remarks come as India seeks to strengthen private participation in space and position the sector as a source of technology, investment and high skilled jobs.
On National Space Day, PM Modi's message was clear that India should not only build space companies for the world, but also become the place where the world's space talent wants to build its future.
(With PTI inputs.)
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.