1 week ago
Modi Urges 20 Space Startups to Build Global Hub
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met leaders from 20 Indian space startups.
These companies are building rockets, satellites and other space technologies.
Some are working on removing space debris and studying weather and climate.
Modi said the government would continue supporting their work.
He wants space technology to help with everyday problems, not just space missions.
For example, companies could help farmers make better decisions using space data.
Space-debris companies could work with environmental groups.
Modi also encouraged startups to work with schools so children become interested in space.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met CEOs and founders of 20 Indian space startups at Seva Teerth in New Delhi.
The startups are developing rockets, reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicles, satellites, avionics, propulsion and space intelligence.
Their work also includes space-debris removal and AI-powered hyperlocal weather and climate intelligence.
Modi assured the startups of continued government support and urged partnerships with agriculture, environmental and other sectors.
Founders credited space-sector reforms, government backing and industry collaboration with creating opportunities and strengthening India’s private space ecosystem.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the CEOs and founders of 20 Indian space startups.
- What
- Modi held an interaction with the startups and urged broader cooperation to expand India’s private space industry and global role.
- Where
- Seva Teerth, New Delhi.
- When
- Friday, August 21, 2026.
- Why
- To review the growth of India’s private space ecosystem and encourage wider applications and partnerships for space technology.
Key facts
- Participants
- CEOs and founders of 20 Indian space startups, including Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, GalaxEye and Digantara.
- Technologies
- Rockets, reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicles, avionics, satellites, advanced propulsion, space and defence intelligence, debris removal, and AI-powered weather and climate intelligence.
- Government support
- Modi assured the startups that the Government of India would continue supporting their efforts.
- Industry feedback
- Founders said reforms, government support and collaboration among companies had created opportunities and strengthened India’s private space ecosystem.
- Global opportunity
- Modi said countries that lack resources or do not wish to invest in space create an opportunity for India to strengthen its global position.
- Potential applications
- Modi highlighted agriculture, livestock management, dairy, environmental protection and climate intelligence as areas for wider use of space technology.
- Education outreach
- Modi encouraged startups to engage with Atal Tinkering Labs to spark schoolchildren’s interest in space.
Quotes
Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of India speaking about young space entrepreneurs and innovators.
“It was wonderful to meet the Yuva Urja of India's space sector…young entrepreneurs and innovators who have shown remarkable courage by entering a new and demanding domain. They have taken risks, trusted the reform process and remained consistent in their efforts. Due to this, India has achieved a lot in the space sector in the last few years.”
financialexpress.com
deccanchronicle.com
“Companies working on space debris could work with environmental organisations to scale up their technologies. Space technology companies working with the agriculture sector could collaborate with agricultural universities and departments to help farmers make better informed decisions and maximise their output.”
financialexpress.com
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
PM Modi calls for India to become global space tech hub
PM Modi pitches for India as global space hub
PM Modi interacts with 20 space startups, calls for India to become global space tech hub
Explained: PM Modi’s roadmap to make India into a global space startup hub
Modi Urges Space Startups To Expand Into Agriculture, Environment
PM Modi Meets 20 Space Startups, Calls For India To Become A Global Space Technology Hub
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