Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the expanding international footprint of India’s space programme, citing the successful launch of more than 430 satellites from 34 countries aboard Indian rockets. He made the remarks while addressing the first International Space Summit in Paris through video conference on September 10, 2026, where he spoke about ISRO’s achievements and India’s vision for greater cooperation in space.
PM Modi said the Indian Space Research Organisation has built a strong international reputation through technological expertise and cost-effective missions. Beyond launch services, he pointed to the growing role of space technology in everyday applications, including weather forecasting, navigation and disaster management. These capabilities are also supporting communities such as farmers and fishermen.
According to the Prime Minister, the international reach of India’s space programme reflects the contribution of generations of Indian scientists, engineers and technical specialists. Their work has helped establish ISRO as an important player among the world’s spacefaring nations and has enabled India to take on increasingly ambitious missions.
India’s recent achievements in space were also highlighted during the address. PM Modi referred to the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission and the Aditya-L1 solar mission as important milestones in the country’s scientific journey. Chandrayaan-3 achieved a historic landing near the Moon’s south polar region, while Aditya-L1 is focused on studying the Sun and improving scientific understanding of solar activity.
Looking ahead, India is preparing for a new phase of human space exploration. PM Modi said the country aims to establish an Indian space station by 2035 and send an Indian to the Moon by 2040. He stressed that the benefits of these efforts should extend beyond national achievements and contribute to humanity as a whole.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the growing participation of private companies in India’s space sector. The expansion of the commercial space ecosystem alongside ISRO is creating new opportunities for innovation, technology development and international partnerships. This combination of government capability and private-sector participation is expected to support India’s ambitions in the next stage of space exploration.
India’s relationship with France was another important aspect of the address. PM Modi noted that France has been a longstanding partner of India’s space programme, with cooperation now extending to areas such as Earth observation and advanced space technologies. He invited France and other countries to participate in India’s future space missions and technological initiatives.
PM Modi also called for responsible international cooperation as activity in outer space increases. He emphasized the importance of keeping space safe, secure, peaceful and sustainable, with countries working together through international law, dialogue and multilateral cooperation.
The remarks in Paris underline India’s transition from being primarily a national space programme to becoming an increasingly significant partner in the international space ecosystem. With hundreds of foreign satellites already launched on Indian rockets, expanding private-sector participation and ambitious lunar and space-station plans ahead, India is seeking a larger role in the next phase of global space exploration.
