Dr Jitendra Singh Urges Industry to Invest More in India's Space Sector

Dr. Jitendra Singh described the decision to open the space sector to private participation as a landmark reform that transformed India's approach to strategic industries.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has called on industry leaders to significantly increase investment and participation in India's rapidly growing space sector, saying stronger collaboration between startups, established companies and government institutions will be essential for building globally competitive space technologies and strengthening the country's position in the international space economy.

Speaking at the 10th IN-SPACe Industry Connect, the Minister said India's private space ecosystem has made impressive progress over the past few years, but achieving long-term leadership in the sector will require larger investments, stronger manufacturing capabilities and wider market access.

Space Reforms Open New Opportunities

Dr. Jitendra Singh described the decision to open the space sector to private participation as a landmark reform that transformed India's approach to strategic industries. He said the move unlocked entrepreneurial potential and created opportunities for innovators, startups and private enterprises to contribute to the country's space ambitions.

The Minister noted that the reforms were strengthened through the Indian Space Policy 2023, which provided regulatory clarity and strategic direction for stakeholders. He also highlighted recent liberalization of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rules, which has helped attract investments and improve India's integration with global space value chains.

A key driver of this transformation has been the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), which was established to facilitate, regulate and support non-government participation across the space sector.

Financial Support Boosts Innovation

To encourage innovation and commercialization, the government has introduced several financial support mechanisms. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the ₹1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund and the ₹500 crore Technology Adoption Fund, both designed to help emerging space companies develop and scale new technologies. Additional support through seed funding, incubation programmes, skill development initiatives and an AICTE-approved Space Technology curriculum is helping build a skilled workforce for the growing industry.

The Minister said India's private space ecosystem has expanded dramatically, growing from a handful of companies to more than 400 startups alongside hundreds of large and small enterprises. These companies are now developing launch vehicles, satellites, propulsion systems, Earth observation technologies and downstream space applications.

Stronger Industry Collaboration Needed

While praising the achievements of startups such as Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Galaxeye, Digantara and Dhruva Space, Dr Jitendra Singh stressed that startup innovation alone will not be enough to achieve India's long-term goals. He said the agility and creativity of startups must be complemented by the financial strength, manufacturing capacity and execution capabilities of established industries. Greater collaboration among industry, academia, investors, state governments and research institutions will be necessary to realize the vision of Atmanirbhar Antariksh.

The Minister also acknowledged industry concerns regarding approvals, regulatory processes and ease of doing business. He assured stakeholders that the government remains committed to creating a supportive environment where innovation is encouraged rather than hindered by unnecessary barriers. Dr Jitendra Singh said India possesses the talent, entrepreneurial spirit and policy framework needed to become a major force in the global space economy. He urged all stakeholders to work together to accelerate innovation, strengthen indigenous capabilities and position India among the world's leading space powers.