NEW DELHI, May 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Global Conference on Space Exploration (GLEX) 2025 via videoconferencing today. Welcoming the distinguished delegates, scientists, and astronauts from across the globe, he highlighted India’s remarkable space journey, stating that, “space is not merely a destination but a declaration of curiosity, courage, and collective progress”.
He emphasized that India’s space achievements reflect this spirit, from launching a small rocket in 1963 to becoming the first nation to land near the Moon’s South Pole. “Indian rockets carry more than payloads—they carry the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians,” he remarked, asserting that India’s space advancements are significant scientific milestones and proof that the human spirit can defy gravity.
The Prime Minister recalled India’s historic achievement of reaching Mars on its first attempt in 2014. He highlighted that Chandrayaan-1 helped discover water on the Moon, Chandrayaan-2 provided the highest-resolution images of the lunar surface, and Chandrayaan-3 furthered understanding of the Moon’s South Pole. “India developed cryogenic engines in record time, launched 100 satellites in a single mission, and successfully deployed over 400 satellites for 34 nations using Indian launch vehicles,” he pointed out.
Modi also highlighted India’s latest accomplishment—docking two satellites in space this year—which he called a major step forward in space exploration.
Reaffirming India’s spirit of cooperation, Modi stated that the country’s space journey is not about competing with others but about reaching greater heights together. He emphasized the collective goal of exploring space for the benefit of humanity. Highlighting India’s commitment to regional cooperation, he recalled the successful launch of a satellite for South Asian nations. He announced that the G20 Satellite Mission, introduced during India’s G20 Presidency, would be a significant contribution to the Global South.
He remarked that India continues to advance with renewed confidence, constantly pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. “India’s first human spaceflight mission, ‘Gaganyaan,’ reflects the nation’s growing aspirations in space technology,” he noted.
Modi revealed that, in the coming weeks, an Indian astronaut would travel to space as part of a joint ISRO-NASA mission to the International Space Station. He outlined India’s long-term space vision, stating that by 2035, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station would facilitate groundbreaking research and international collaboration. He declared that by 2040, an Indian astronaut would leave footprints on the Moon, and added that Mars and Venus remain key targets in India’s future space ambitions.
Emphasizing that for India, space is not just about exploration but also empowerment, the Prime Minister highlighted how space technology enhances governance, improves livelihoods, and inspires generations. He cited the vital role of satellites in ensuring the welfare of every Indian, mentioning their contributions to fishermen alerts, the GatiShakti platform, railway safety, and weather forecasting.
He underscored India’s commitment to fostering innovation by opening its space sector to startups, entrepreneurs, and young minds. Modi noted that India now has over 250 space startups, contributing to advancements in satellite technology, propulsion systems, imaging, and other pioneering fields. “Many of India’s space missions are being led by women scientists,” he proudly acknowledged.
“India’s space vision is rooted in the ancient philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’,” reaffirmed the Prime Minister, stressing that India’s space journey is not just about its own growth but about enriching global knowledge, addressing shared challenges, and inspiring future generations.
He concluded his address by calling for a new chapter in space exploration—one guided by science and the collective aspiration for a better future.
