Cooperation ahead of confrontation: PM's message at International Space Summit

Highlighting India's recent achievements, PM Modi pointed to the country's historic landing near the Moon's south pole and the Aditya-L1 mission, which is helping scientists unlock the secrets of the Sun.More than 430 satellites from 34 countries have travelled to space aboard Indian rockets, PM Modi said.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday invited the world to become “co-travellers” in India’s next journey into space, as he outlined the country's growing ambitions, from building an Indian space station by 2035 to sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.Addressing the International Space Summit, Prime Minister Modi said India believed in a safe, secure, peaceful and sustainable space domain anchored in international law, dialogue and multilateral cooperation.“We support a safe, secure, peaceful and sustainable space domain,” PM Modi said, stressing that scientific data and advancements in space must ultimately serve the common good of humanity.The Prime Minister said India's space journey reflected this philosophy, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) at its heart. He said the space agency had earned global admiration for its excellence and cost-effective missions, while India's space technologies and international partnerships were increasingly serving the wider world. More than 430 satellites from 34 countries have travelled to space aboard Indian rockets, Modi said, underlining the country's emergence as an important player in the global space sector. Highlighting India's recent achievements, Modi pointed to the country's historic landing near the Moon's South Pole and the Aditya-L1 mission, which is helping scientists unlock the secrets of the Sun.He also referred to India's journey to the International Space Station as another milestone in the country's expanding human spaceflight ambitions.The Prime Minister made it clear that India's ambitions are only growing.India aims to establish its own space station by 2035 and send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040, he said.“Our guiding principle has been clear, the benefits of space must reach all humanity,” Modi said.The Prime Minister also highlighted the rapid growth of India's private space sector, saying it was surging in a big way and adding a new dimension to the country's space ambitions.Modi also underlined India's longstanding partnership with France, describing the country as a trusted partner since the early days of India's space programme.Looking ahead, the Prime Minister extended an invitation to France and the wider global community.He called on them to become “co-travellers” in India's next space frontier, signalling New Delhi's intent to expand international cooperation as it prepares for an increasingly ambitious journey beyond Earth.- EndsPublished On: Sep 10, 2026 14:53 IST