New Delhi/Paris, France: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today addressed the International Space Summit in Paris, France, through video conference, and called for stronger global cooperation to ensure that outer space remains safe, secure, peaceful and sustainable.
The Prime Minister thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for taking the timely initiative to convene the summit and for extending a gracious invitation. Expressing his pleasure at participating in the landmark gathering, he said he was happy to be part of the first International Space Summit.
Reflecting on humanity’s centuries-old fascination with the cosmos, PM Modi said space has long inspired human imagination, but today its importance extends directly to life on Earth. From climate and agriculture to oceans and communities, space-based technologies are increasingly shaping everyday life.
He noted that the space environment is becoming more complex, with increasingly crowded orbits, powerful technologies and a growing number of actors. Against this backdrop, he stressed that global partnerships must place long-term sustainability above short-term gains.
The Prime Minister called for a clear global approach based on cooperation over confrontation, sustainability over short-term gain, and inclusion over exclusion. He said India supports a safe, secure, peaceful and sustainable space domain, anchored in international law, dialogue and multilateral cooperation.
Linking India’s approach to its civilisational philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — One Earth, One Family, One Future, PM Modi said this spirit should extend beyond Earth to help build a secure and cooperative space environment.
India’s Space Journey Driven by Public Welfare
Highlighting the importance of open and transparent scientific research, the Prime Minister said India’s space journey reflects its commitment to universal welfare. He emphasised that scientific data should be shared ethically and used for the common good, with openness and integrity.
PM Modi highlighted the practical impact of India’s satellite capabilities in areas such as weather forecasting, disaster management and navigation. These technologies, he noted, are directly benefiting people at the grassroots level, including farmers and fishermen.
He described ISRO as the institution at the heart of India’s space journey and said its excellence and cost-effective missions have earned global admiration. India has also expanded its international role in launch services, with more than 430 payloads from 34 countries successfully deployed aboard Indian rockets.
The Prime Minister attributed these achievements to generations of Indian scientists, engineers and technicians whose dedication and hard work have established India as a respected spacefaring nation.
Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1 and Future Missions
Referring to India’s recent achievements in planetary and solar exploration, PM Modi said Aditya-L1 is currently helping unlock the secrets of the Sun. He also recalled that an Indian astronaut visited the International Space Station last year.
He highlighted the historic success of Chandrayaan-3, which made India the first country to land near the lunar south pole, marking a major milestone in global lunar exploration.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister outlined India’s ambitious long-term space roadmap, including plans to establish an indigenous space station by 2035 and send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
He underlined that the central objective behind these programmes is to ensure that the benefits of space exploration and technological progress reach all of humanity.
Private Space Sector Expanding
PM Modi also highlighted the rapid growth of India’s private space sector, noting that startups are increasingly working alongside established institutions and agencies. He said the emerging ecosystem is creating a strong synergy between private enterprise and ISRO’s institutional excellence.
Recalling the longstanding India-France space partnership, the Prime Minister said France has been a trusted partner of India since the early years of the country’s space programme at Thumba in the 1960s.
He noted that cooperation between the two countries has now expanded across areas including Earth observation and advanced space technologies, bringing together scientific excellence and societal objectives.
PM Modi Invites France and Global Partners for India’s Next Space Frontier
Calling for wider international participation in India’s future space exploration programmes, PM Modi invited France and the global community to become co-travellers in India’s next space frontier.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister urged nations to work collectively to explore, innovate and protect the space environment for the benefit of humanity and future generations.
He said the International Space Summit in Paris should send a clear message that nations will “explore together, innovate together and protect space together” for all humanity and generations to come.