India’s space economy is projected to expand nearly five-fold over the next decade, rising from its current estimated size of $8 billion to between $40 billion and $45 billion, according to a government fact-sheet.
The projected expansion is being driven by policy reforms, increasing private-sector participation and the growing commercialisation of space technologies and services. India currently accounts for around 2–3 per cent of the global space economy, with the government targeting an 8 per cent share by 2030.
A series of structural reforms has reshaped India’s space sector in recent years. The opening of the sector to private companies, the establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and the creation of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) have strengthened the commercial ecosystem around the country’s space programme.
Private participation has increased sharply. India had only one registered space startup in 2014, while the number had crossed 400 by February 2026. Investment in Indian space startups has also exceeded $500 million, including nearly $150 million raised during 2025.
The government has introduced a range of measures aimed at supporting investment, technology development and innovation. These include liberalised foreign direct investment norms, a Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund, a Rs 500 crore technology adoption fund and various schemes designed to support startups in the sector.
Commercial activity has also recorded significant growth. NSIL’s revenue increased from Rs 321.77 crore in FY22 to Rs 3,246.09 crore in FY25, reflecting the expanding commercial demand for Indian space technologies, launch services and related capabilities.
India’s international role in the space sector has expanded alongside domestic growth. Since 2014, the country has launched 399 foreign satellites, while it has entered into more than 300 space cooperation agreements with 61 countries and five multilateral organisations.
The country is also pursuing an ambitious pipeline of space missions. These include the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, plans for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, the Venus Orbiter Mission and future lunar exploration initiatives.
The developments point to a broader transformation of India’s space programme, from a predominantly government-led scientific and strategic endeavour toward a wider commercial ecosystem involving startups, private companies and public-sector institutions. The government views this expansion as an important contributor to economic growth, technological innovation and greater self-reliance in advanced space capabilities.
