PM Modi Calls for Global Space Talent to Choose India, Praises Startup Innovation

New Delhi, August 23, 2026; Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged India’s emerging space industry to build a globally competitive ecosystem by encouraging innovation, maintaining policy stability and attracting skilled professionals from across the world.

Addressing CEOs and founders of 20 Indian space startups, Modi praised entrepreneurs for entering a sector that demands significant risk-taking and said consistent government policies can provide confidence to businesses willing to invest in new technologies.

The Prime Minister said India has the potential to become a preferred destination for international talent in the space sector. He highlighted the country’s cost competitiveness, strong pool of skilled professionals and entrepreneurial spirit as key advantages that could help India establish a stronger position in the global space industry.

Modi also asked space companies to look beyond traditional applications and develop technologies that can directly improve people’s lives. He suggested partnerships between space startups and organisations in areas such as agriculture and environmental protection to expand the practical use of space-based technologies.

Citing the example of space-debris management, the Prime Minister said collaboration with environmental institutions could help companies expand solutions for emerging challenges. Similarly, he encouraged space technology firms working in agriculture to partner with universities and government departments to help farmers make better decisions and improve productivity.

The Prime Minister further emphasised the importance of introducing young students to space technology. He called for stronger engagement between space companies and Atal Tinkering Labs to encourage curiosity and innovation among children at an early age.

The interaction brought together representatives of startups including Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, GalaxEye, PierSight, Bellatrix Aerospace, Digantara, SatSure, Suhora Technologies, Manastu Space, Astrobase, TakeMe2Space, VyomIC, Cosmoserve Space, OrbitAID Aerospace, SkyServe, Serendipity Space, Vassar Labs and mistEO.

Modi said India should work towards creating an ecosystem in which global businesses and innovators associate the country with opportunities in space technology.

The government’s Indian Space Policy 2023 has enabled greater private-sector participation across the space value chain, including satellite manufacturing, launch services, space-based applications and downstream activities, creating new opportunities for startups and private enterprises.