New Delhi, September 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for greater international cooperation to ensure that outer space remains peaceful, secure and sustainable, saying the growing use of space technology has made its responsible management a shared global responsibility.
Addressing the first International Space Summit in Paris through video conference, Modi said the rapid expansion of space activities required countries to prioritise cooperation over conflict, long-term sustainability over immediate gains and wider inclusion over exclusion.
Modi said India’s approach to space is guided by the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, or the idea that the world is one family.
He said the principle should extend beyond Earth and guide international efforts to create a safe and peaceful space environment.The Prime Minister stressed the importance of international law, dialogue and multilateral cooperation in governing activities in outer space.
He also called for scientific data to be used transparently and responsibly for public welfare.Highlighting India’s progress, Modi said space technology has become an important part of everyday life, supporting areas such as agriculture, weather forecasting, disaster management, navigation and activities related to the oceans.He praised the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its technological capabilities and cost-efficient missions.
According to the speech, Indian launch vehicles have carried more than 430 payloads for 34 countries, reflecting the country’s expanding role in international space cooperation.Modi credited generations of Indian scientists, engineers and technicians for building the country’s space programme and strengthening ISRO’s global standing.
Referring to India’s major missions, he highlighted Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing near the Moon’s south polar region and the Aditya-L1 mission’s study of the Sun. He also referred to the participation of an Indian astronaut in a mission to the International Space Station.
Looking ahead, Modi said India aims to establish an indigenous space station by 2035 and send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
He said the broader objective behind these programmes is to ensure that advances in space science and technology contribute to the welfare of humanity.The Prime Minister also highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s private space industry, saying startups and private companies are increasingly working alongside ISRO and contributing to technological innovation.
He underlined India’s long-standing space partnership with France, recalling cooperation between the two countries since the early stages of India’s space programme in the 1960s. He said current cooperation covers areas including Earth observation and advanced space technologies.
Inviting France and other countries to participate in India’s future space programmes, Modi said international partnerships would be essential as humanity enters the next phase of space exploration.
He concluded by calling for collective efforts to explore space, develop new technologies and protect the space environment for present and future generations.
