India's space sector is poised for significant growth, with projections estimating an expansion from USD 8 billion to USD 44-45 billion over the next decade. This was announced by Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for Science & Technology and the Department of Space, at the India International Space Conclave (IISC) 2025 in New Delhi. Singh emphasized that recent policy reforms have been instrumental in reshaping the sector and driving this anticipated economic surge.
Minister Singh stated that the space reforms implemented over the past five years have marked a turning point, transforming the space economy from a dispersed entity to a recognized and integral part of the national economy. He highlighted that approximately 70% of space-driven applications in India are focused on enhancing the ease of living for citizens, a unique priority that distinguishes India's approach from many other spacefaring nations.
The Minister also noted the increasing interest from international trade agencies, signaling growing opportunities within India's space sector. He anticipates numerous launches of rockets and multi-sensor satellites in the coming year, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Indian space ecosystem. Strengthening collaborations, particularly with partners like Japan, is considered vital for jointly advancing security, innovation, and exploration and building a resilient and thriving space industry in India.
Adding to the discussion, ISRO Astronaut Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla shared his personal experience, reflecting on the transformative impact of representation in space. He emphasized the inspiration derived from seeing someone "like yourself doing the impossible," encouraging others to dream beyond perceived limitations.
Echoing the sentiment of international cooperation, Italian Ambassador Antonio Bartoli lauded India's technological capabilities and expressed that bilateral cooperation in space is "destined to deepen," highlighting Italy's expertise in the sector. Similarly, Japan's Deputy Chief of Mission, Takashi Ariyoshi, emphasized the strategic partnership between the two countries in lunar missions, climate research, and space sciences, noting that shared values and trust are strengthening a vibrant space ecosystem.
Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, highlighted the rapid growth in private-sector investment and global partnerships within the Indian space sector. This growth aligns with the Minister's attribution of the sector's expansion to policy reforms and increased private sector participation.
Furthermore, satellite communication is expected to serve as the backbone of India's digital infrastructure, playing a crucial role in connecting remote regions where terrestrial networks face geographical challenges. With a significant portion of new ATMs being installed in rural areas, satellite communications will be vital for ensuring financial inclusion and expanding digital services. Programs like SVAMITVA have already leveraged satellite mapping to provide land ownership rights to a large number of rural property owners across numerous villages. Satellites are also becoming increasingly integral to disaster management, forest fire monitoring, agricultural yield assessments, infrastructure planning, and navigation.
India's commitment to space diplomacy is evident through missions like the upcoming Chandrayaan-5 in collaboration with Japan and the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission. Neighboring countries are also increasingly relying on Indian satellites for disaster management and communication support. India has launched 433 foreign satellites, generating substantial revenue and plans to establish its own Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035.
