New Delhi, March 8: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, addressing the 'Space-Tech for Good Governance' Conclave hosted by the Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership, projected that India’s space sector is poised for substantial growth, expecting to reach USD 44 billion in the near future—nearly a fivefold increase.
Dr. Singh, representing the Ministry of Science & Technology, highlighted the significant contributions of organizations like the National Space Innovation and Applications (NSIL) and InSPACe, which have fostered collaborative efforts between government and private sectors. These initiatives have helped boost India’s space economy to USD 8 billion.
On India’s rising prominence in global space exploration, Dr. Singh remarked, “The days of following others are behind us. Today, India sets the pace for others to follow.”
Further emphasizing the government’s dedication to space advancement, Dr. Singh pointed out that India's space budget has seen a remarkable increase, growing by 138.93% from ₹5,615 crores in 2013-14 to ₹13,416 crores in the latest budget.
A key highlight of India’s space achievements, according to Dr. Singh, was the recent milestone of ISRO’s 100th satellite launch—the NAVIC satellite—which marks a significant step in India’s space journey. In addition, India has seen the number of space startups grow from just one to over 300, solidifying its position as a key revenue generator in the global space market. Since 2014, India has launched 433 foreign satellites, generating revenue of USD 192 million and Euro 272 million.
Looking ahead, Dr. Singh laid out India's ambitious roadmap for future space missions. He revealed that trials for the Gaganyaan Mission, India’s first human spaceflight mission, will begin with the ROBO Mission by the end of 2025. Four astronauts have already been selected for the mission, with one invited by the United States to visit the International Space Station.
By 2035, India aims to establish the Bharat Antariksh Station, and Dr. Singh confidently stated that India intends to send its first astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
Dr. Singh concluded by emphasizing that India's space technology is no longer just about rocket launches; it is increasingly playing a pivotal role in transforming governance by enhancing transparency, grievance redressal, and citizen engagement.
