India, Luxembourg to Boost Ties in Space, Science, and Emerging Tech Sectors

A key outcome of the talks was the shared vision to promote Indian space start-ups in Luxembourg, enabling them to tap into the European Union’s innovation ecosystem.

In a significant development for international scientific collaboration, India and Luxembourg have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in space exploration, science, and emerging technologies. The announcement came following a high-level meeting in New Delhi between India’s Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, and H.E. Mr. Christian Biever, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to India.

Senior officials from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Department of Space (DoS), and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) were also present at the meeting, which focused on creating new avenues for innovation-led collaboration in areas like cyber security, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and space entrepreneurship.

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India’s Space Startups Eye European Expansion

A key outcome of the talks was the shared vision to promote Indian space start-ups in Luxembourg, enabling them to tap into the European Union’s innovation ecosystem. Luxembourg — already a global hub for space finance, satellite communications, and deep-space innovation — was identified as a strategic gateway for India’s rapidly expanding private space sector to enter European markets.

“India’s vibrant start-up ecosystem, supported by enabling policies and ISRO’s industry-friendly framework, offers a unique platform for global collaboration,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh.

The minister proposed facilitating joint research and development (R&D) ventures, access to venture capital, and technology transfer mechanisms that would help Indian start-ups scale globally while contributing to Luxembourg’s space economy.

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A Legacy of Strong Diplomatic Relations Since 1948

Highlighting the longstanding diplomatic relations between the two nations, Dr. Singh noted that India and Luxembourg have enjoyed friendly and stable ties since 1948. A significant milestone in bilateral engagement was the 2020 virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, which laid the groundwork for regular strategic and scientific dialogues.

That summit opened doors for institutional partnerships, including the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the peaceful use of outer space, which remains a key framework guiding ongoing cooperation between ISRO and the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA).

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Chandrayaan-3 and Beyond: India’s Space Leadership Recognized

Minister Singh proudly referenced India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, which in August 2023 made global headlines by landing near the Moon’s south pole — a world-first feat that cemented India’s place among elite spacefaring nations.

He said the mission demonstrated India’s capabilities in space engineering, manufacturing, and cost-effective launch systems, further reinforcing the country’s status as a global space hub.

“India ranks among the top three globally in scientific publications and in start-up activity, driven by our national missions in quantum tech, clean energy, healthcare, and the blue economy,” Singh said.

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Space and Science Partnerships Already Underway

The growing India-Luxembourg space partnership already has tangible achievements. Notably:

• Two Luxembourg satellites have been launched aboard India’s PSLV rocket, reflecting strong operational cooperation.

• ISRO participated in Luxembourg Space Agency’s “Space Resources Week 2024,” highlighting mutual interest in space mining, planetary exploration, and sustainable space resource utilization.

These initiatives, officials said, underscore the deepening trust and synergy between the two nations’ scientific and industrial communities.

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Joint Vision for Global Scientific Innovation

Both parties expressed enthusiasm about exploring cross-cutting technology areas and designing innovative programs to connect public research institutions, universities, and private sector players. Collaborative efforts may soon extend to:

• Cyber-physical systems and AI safety

• Quantum networks and encryption technologies

• Next-generation satellite platforms and geospatial intelligence

• Climate monitoring and sustainable development goals (SDGs)

The discussions aimed to leverage each country’s strengths: India’s robust space manufacturing and software talent, and Luxembourg’s finance, innovation policy, and access to European regulatory frameworks.

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Technology as a Force for Sustainable Development

Concluding the meeting, Dr. Singh emphasized the shared commitment to using technology as a force multiplier for sustainable development, in alignment with the vision of Prime Minister Modi and Luxembourg’s leadership.

“This engagement adds fresh momentum to Indo-Luxembourg cooperation. It will help us jointly address 21st-century challenges and unlock opportunities through responsible science, inclusive innovation, and global partnerships,” he said.

Both sides committed to follow-up sessions and the development of bilateral working groups to implement the priorities discussed, ensuring that science and innovation remain central pillars of the India-Luxembourg partnership.