Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has called for greater international cooperation to ensure that outer space remains safe, peaceful and sustainable, stressing that the rapid expansion of space activities must be matched by collective responsibility and responsible choices. Addressing the first International Space Summit in Paris, Modi said nations must prioritise cooperation over confrontation, sustainability over short-term gains and inclusion over exclusion as the space domain becomes increasingly crowded.
PM Modi Stresses Collective Responsibility in Space
Modi thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for the invitation and for taking the initiative to convene the international summit. He said space, which has fascinated humanity for centuries, has now become an important part of everyday life on Earth.
According to Modi, space-based capabilities influence a wide range of activities, including climate monitoring, agriculture, ocean observation and the functioning of communities. As satellites, advanced technologies and space-faring nations continue to increase, he emphasised that countries must make responsible choices to protect the long-term interests of humanity.
“Cooperation over confrontation” was among the central principles highlighted by the Prime Minister, along with the need to put sustainability and inclusion at the heart of future space activities.
India’s ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ Vision for Space
Modi said India’s approach to international cooperation is guided by the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
He said the spirit of this principle should extend beyond the planet and guide international efforts in outer space. India, he added, supports a space environment that is safe, secure, peaceful and sustainable.
The Prime Minister called for space governance based on international law, dialogue and multilateral cooperation. He also underlined the importance of scientific openness and integrity, saying that data generated through scientific activities should contribute to the common good.
ISRO Emerges as a Global Space Partner
Highlighting India’s space journey, Modi praised the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its scientific capabilities, technological excellence and cost-effective missions.
He said India’s space programme has developed technologies that directly contribute to people’s lives. Satellite applications support farmers and fishermen, improve weather forecasting, assist disaster management and strengthen navigation services.
India’s launch capabilities have also attracted international demand. Modi noted that more than 430 satellites from 34 countries have been carried into space aboard Indian rockets, reflecting the confidence placed in India’s space sector by international partners.
He credited generations of Indian scientists, engineers and technicians for building the country’s space capabilities through years of dedication and successful missions.
Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 Mark Major Milestones
Modi highlighted some of India’s most significant recent space achievements, including the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission. The mission established India as the first nation to land near the Moon’s south polar region, marking a major milestone in the country’s space programme.
He also referred to Aditya-L1, India’s solar mission designed to improve scientific understanding of the Sun and its influence on space weather and the wider space environment.
Another significant development was the participation of an Indian in the International Space Station last year, adding momentum to India’s human spaceflight ambitions.
Looking ahead, Modi said India has set ambitious targets, including establishing an Indian space station by 2035 and sending an Indian to the Moon by 2040.
Also Read — BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi Fortifies Security With 15,000 Police Personnel
The Prime Minister stressed that these achievements and future missions should ultimately contribute to humanity rather than serve only national interests.
Private Space Sector Gains Momentum
Modi also highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s private space industry. He said the energy and innovation of private enterprises are increasingly complementing ISRO’s established expertise.
“Young Talent Can Transform India”: Pralhad Joshi Hails Bharat Innovates 2026 Deep-Tech Push
The growth of India’s commercial space ecosystem is creating new opportunities in advanced technologies, innovation and international collaboration. Modi indicated that partnerships between government institutions and private companies would remain an important part of India’s next phase of space development.
India and France Strengthen Space Cooperation
The Prime Minister also underlined India’s longstanding partnership with France in the space sector. He said the relationship goes back to the early years of India’s space programme, including cooperation associated with Thumba in the 1960s.
Today, the partnership extends to areas such as Earth observation and advanced technologies, bringing together scientific capabilities and practical applications.
Modi invited France and other countries to become partners in India’s next space journey, describing the future of space exploration as an opportunity for countries to work together.
Call for a Shared Future Beyond Earth
Concluding his address, Modi said the Paris summit should deliver a clear message that humanity must explore, innovate and protect space collectively.
He called for international efforts to preserve space as a peaceful and sustainable domain while ensuring that its benefits reach people across the world and future generations.
The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to participants at the summit and reiterated India’s commitment to responsible space exploration, scientific cooperation and a future in which the opportunities offered by space are shared more widely.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates and exclusive coverage.
