PM Modi Highlights India’s Space Achievements on National Space Day 2025

New Delhi, August 23 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation through a video message on National Space Day 2025, lauded India’s growing stature in the global space sector and called upon the youth to become torchbearers of the country’s next phase of space exploration.

This year’s theme, “From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan”, was described by the Prime Minister as a symbol of India’s confidence in its past achievements and its determination to conquer new frontiers. He underlined how, in just a few years, National Space Day has evolved into a source of excitement and pride, particularly for young minds.

 Modi highlighted India’s role as the host of the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, with nearly 300 participants from more than 60 countries. Expressing delight over the medals won by Indian students, he said the event showcased the nation’s growing global leadership in the space arena.

He further noted ISRO’s initiatives such as the Indian Space Hackathon and Robotics Challenge, aimed at nurturing curiosity and innovation among students.

Recalling India’s historic achievement of becoming the first country to reach the Moon’s South Pole, the Prime Minister emphasized that setting new benchmarks in space has become part of India’s identity. He also spoke of India’s progress in space docking technology and expressed pride in Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s unfurling of the Tricolour aboard the International Space Station earlier this week.

Announcing the creation of an “Astronaut Pool”, he invited young citizens to step forward and be part of India’s ambitious space journey.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s rapid advancements in semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion technologies, stating that these will soon power the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. He further outlined plans to establish an Indian space station in the coming years and called for greater exploration into deep space, stressing that “beyond galaxies lies our horizon.”

 Modi noted that reforms in the past decade have unlocked opportunities for private players in the space-tech ecosystem. With over 350 startups now active in the sector, the government is encouraging private innovation, he said.

He announced that the first PSLV built by the private sector will soon be launched and that India’s first private communication satellite is under development. Preparations are also underway for a public-private Earth Observation Satellite Constellation.

Challenging startups, he asked, “Can we build five unicorns in the space sector within the next five years?” and envisioned a future where India carries out at least 50 rocket launches annually.

Reiterating that space is not just about exploration but also about improving lives, the Prime Minister cited the growing use of satellite applications in crop insurance, fisheries, disaster management, and infrastructure planning under the PM Gati Shakti initiative.

He stressed that such integration of space-tech into governance is making day-to-day life simpler for citizens and encouraged young innovators to design solutions with a public service focus.

Concluding his remarks, PM Modi expressed confidence that India’s space journey will continue to reach unprecedented heights and congratulated scientists, engineers, and young aspirants for their contributions.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, along with ISRO scientists, engineers, and other dignitaries, also participated in the celebrations.