Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the first International Space Summit in Paris, France, through video conference on Thursday, thanking French President Emmanuel Macron for organizing the gathering and inviting India to participate.
Speaking about the growing importance of space, Modi said developments beyond Earth are increasingly connected to life on the planet, influencing areas such as climate monitoring, agriculture, oceans and communities.
He called for greater international cooperation as space becomes increasingly crowded with more satellites, advanced technologies and a growing number of space actors. Modi emphasized that countries should prioritize cooperation over confrontation, long-term sustainability over short-term interests, and inclusion over exclusion.
The Prime Minister said India’s approach to space is guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” He reiterated India’s support for a safe, secure, peaceful and sustainable space environment based on international law, dialogue and multilateral cooperation.
Modi also stressed the importance of making scientific information available for the wider public good, saying that space research and data should contribute to global progress through openness and integrity.
Highlighting India’s space capabilities, Modi praised ISRO for its successful and cost-effective missions. He noted that satellite technology has become important for weather forecasting, disaster management and navigation, providing practical benefits to farmers, fishermen and communities.
India has also expanded its international role in space launches, with more than 430 payloads from 34 countries deployed on Indian rockets, Modi said. He credited generations of Indian scientists, engineers and technicians for building ISRO’s global reputation.
The Prime Minister highlighted major milestones including the Aditya-L1 mission’s study of the Sun and Chandrayaan-3’s historic landing near the lunar south pole. He also referred to India’s human spaceflight achievements, including an Indian astronaut’s visit to the International Space Station.
Looking ahead, Modi said India aims to establish an indigenous space station by 2035 and send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040. He emphasized that the country’s space ambitions are intended to create benefits that extend beyond India and serve humanity as a whole.
He also highlighted the rapid growth of India’s private space sector, noting that startups are increasingly working alongside ISRO and other established institutions.
Modi described France as a long-standing and trusted partner in India’s space program, with cooperation spanning areas including Earth observation and advanced technologies. He invited France and other countries to participate in India’s future space missions.
Concluding his address, Modi called for nations to explore, innovate and protect the space environment together, ensuring that outer space remains sustainable and beneficial for present and future generations.
