Global ISO Space Standards Summit: BIS Pushes India’s Rise in International Space Governance

According to Ms. Khare, globally harmonised standards are essential for ensuring that outer space activities remain safe, sustainable and inclusive.

In a major recognition of India's growing influence in the global space ecosystem, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hosted the 35th Plenary and Working Groups meetings of ISO TC 20 / SC 14 'Space Systems and Operations' in New Delhi, bringing together leading international experts, space agencies, policymakers and industry representatives to shape the future of global space standards.

The high-level meetings, organised at Bharat Mandapam, mark a significant milestone for India as it strengthens its role not only as a major spacefaring nation but also as an emerging leader in international space governance, standardisation and sustainability frameworks.

The event witnessed participation from 131 international delegates representing 13 countries, including officials from national standards bodies, global space agencies, ISRO, industry leaders and academic institutions.

India Emerging as Global Space Standards Powerhouse

Addressing the opening plenary, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, Ms. Nidhi Khare said India's hosting of the prestigious ISO space standards meeting reflects the country's rapidly expanding role in the global space transformation underway.

"It is a matter of immense pride for India to host this meeting as we stand at the forefront of global space transformation," she said.

She highlighted that policy reforms introduced by the Government of India, particularly through the establishment of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center), have created a robust ecosystem enabling startups, private industries and research institutions to participate actively in the country's space economy.

According to Ms. Khare, globally harmonised standards are essential for ensuring that outer space activities remain safe, sustainable and inclusive.

"Standards developed through such global collaboration and expertise will help in making space safe, sustainable and inclusive for humanity," she added.

BIS Aligning Indian Standards with Global Space Frameworks

Bureau of Indian Standards Director General Shri Sanjay Garg emphasized that standardisation has become a critical pillar in ensuring quality, safety and competitiveness in India's rapidly evolving space sector.

He noted that BIS is actively working to align Indian standards with international frameworks to support both public and private sector growth in advanced space technologies.

"BIS standards are helping the private sector become globally competitive," Shri Garg said.

He added that hosting the ISO meeting in India provides Indian experts with a valuable opportunity to participate directly in international standardisation processes, thereby strengthening India's domestic ecosystem while contributing to global standard-setting efforts.

Experts say such participation is increasingly important as India expands into commercial launch services, satellite manufacturing, deep-space missions, earth observation systems and space-based applications.

India's Private Space Sector Gains Momentum After Reforms

IN-SPACe Chairman Dr. Pawan Goenka highlighted the transformative expansion of India's space ecosystem following major policy liberalisation measures introduced over the past few years.

He said private-sector participation has accelerated innovation, investment and technological advancement across the industry.

"Robust standards are essential for enabling innovation, fostering industry confidence and facilitating India's integration into the global space economy," Dr. Goenka said.

India's space sector has undergone significant restructuring since the government opened the sector to private players, startups and foreign investment participation.

The reforms have led to the emergence of a vibrant space-tech ecosystem working in areas such as:

• Satellite launch systems

• Small satellite manufacturing

• Space-based communication

• Earth observation

• Space analytics

• Space mobility technologies

• Deep-tech aerospace innovation

Industry estimates suggest India's space economy could grow substantially over the next decade as private participation increases and global commercial opportunities expand.

Global Focus on Space Sustainability and Debris Mitigation

A major focus area of the ISO TC 20 / SC 14 meetings is the development of international standards governing the complete lifecycle of space systems — from design and manufacturing to launch, mission operations and space-based services.

The subcommittee plays a critical role in shaping standards related to:

• Space safety

• Interoperability

• Mission operations

• Satellite reliability

• Orbital sustainability

• Space debris mitigation

• Long-term space governance

Experts note that with increasing satellite launches and growing congestion in Earth's orbit, global standardisation efforts are becoming crucial to ensuring safe and sustainable space operations.

India's active participation in these discussions signals its intent to contribute meaningfully to future global space governance frameworks.

ISRO's Achievements Strengthening India's Global Standing

India's growing influence in international space affairs has been significantly reinforced by the achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which has gained global recognition for cost-effective and technologically advanced missions.

Recent successes in areas such as:

• Lunar exploration

• Solar missions

• Satellite deployment

• Commercial launch services

• Deep-space research

have positioned India among the world's leading space powers.

Combined with expanding private-sector capabilities under IN-SPACe reforms, India is increasingly being viewed as a major emerging player in the global commercial space economy.

Strategic Importance of International Space Standards

Analysts say international space standards are becoming increasingly important as global space activities rapidly expand and commercialisation accelerates.

Standardised protocols help ensure:

• Compatibility between systems

• Operational safety

• Efficient international collaboration

• Reliable space communications

• Sustainable orbital management

• Reduced mission risks

For emerging space economies like India, active participation in standardisation also enhances credibility, export competitiveness and international technological integration.

Senior Officials and Global Experts Attend Event

The inaugural session was attended by senior national and international dignitaries including:

• Ms. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs

• Shri Sanjay Garg, Director General, BIS

• Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe

• Ms. Reena Garg, Deputy Director General (Standardisation), BIS

• Mr. Frederick Slane, Chairperson, ISO TC 20 / SC 14

• Mr. Rajeev Jyoti, Chairperson, BIS TED 14 National Mirror Committee

The conference is expected to contribute significantly toward strengthening international cooperation in space systems governance while reinforcing India's emergence as a leading stakeholder in shaping the future of global space standards.