Indian space programme rooted in international cooperation rather than competition: ISRO chief
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan stated that India's space programme is rooted in international cooperation rather than competition
Speaking at the US-India Space Business Forum, he emphasised that the programme's vision has expanded over time to serve global needs while remaining human-centric
He described India's space programme as a people-centric and application-driven initiative built on collaboration as its core philosophy
India currently has cooperative agreements with approximately 60 countries and 5 multilateral bodies in space exploration
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) — Structure and Mandate
ISRO, established in 1969, is India's national space agency under the Department of Space (DoS), which reports directly to the Prime Minister. It replaced the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), set up in 1962 by Vikram Sarabhai. ISRO's mandate covers satellite communications, Earth observation, navigation, and space science — all framed as applications for national development rather than prestige projects.
Key Details
- Founded: 15 August 1969; headquarters in Bengaluru
- Parent body: Department of Space (DoS), established 1972
- Key centres: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram), Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota), U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (Bengaluru)
- IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), established 2020, regulates private sector participation under the Indian Space Policy 2023
- NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm, incorporated in 2019
The ISRO Chairman's emphasis on cooperation reflects the foundational philosophy articulated by Vikram Sarabhai — that India's space programme exists to serve developmental needs, not to compete in a space race.
India's Space Diplomacy and International Cooperation
India has signed over 220 cooperative agreements (MoUs, Framework Agreements, Inter-Governmental Agreements) with 60+ countries across the globe. These cover satellite launches, ground station hosting, data sharing, joint missions, and capacity building for developing nations.
Key Details
- India-US: Strategic Framework for Human Spaceflight Cooperation signed in 2024; Artemis Accords signed June 2023
- India-Russia: Agreement to synchronise orbital paths of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and Russian Orbital Station (ROS), finalised December 2025
- India-ESA: Joint Statement of Intent for cooperation in human space exploration (LEO and Moon)
- India-France: Joint satellite missions (Megha-Tropiques launched 2011; TRISHNA thermal infrared mission under development)
- South-South cooperation: ISRO has launched satellites for countries including Algeria, Nigeria, Singapore, and Sri Lanka; South Asia Satellite (GSAT-9) launched 2017 for SAARC nations
The Chairman's remarks at the US-India Space Business Forum underscore India's multi-vector space diplomacy — engaging simultaneously with the US, Russia, Europe, and developing nations.
Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and Gaganyaan Programme
The Gaganyaan programme is India's human spaceflight initiative, approved by the Union Cabinet in 2018 with an outlay of approximately Rs 12,960 crore. It aims to send Indian astronauts (Gaganauts) to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is the planned Indian space station that will follow Gaganyaan.
Key Details
- Gaganyaan: Four astronauts trained in Russia; uncrewed test flights and crewed mission planned by 2026-2028
- BAS first module (BAS-1): Planned for launch in 2028 on LVM3
- BAS final configuration: Five-module station (base, core, science, lab, common working modules), dimensions 27m x 20m, crew capacity of 3-4 astronauts (up to 6 short-duration), fully operational by 2035
- Indian Crewed Lunar Mission targeted by 2040
- Chandrayaan-4 (lunar sample return) and Venus Orbiter Mission also planned
International cooperation is integral to these ambitious programmes — from astronaut training with Russia to orbital synchronisation with Russian and potentially US/European stations.
- ISRO established: 15 August 1969; founding vision by Vikram Sarabhai
- Cooperative space agreements: 220+ with 60+ countries and 5 multilateral bodies
- Indian Space Policy 2023: Opened sector to private participation; IN-SPACe as regulator
- BAS-1 module launch: Planned 2028; full station operational by 2035
- South Asia Satellite (GSAT-9): Launched 5 May 2017 for SAARC nations
- Artemis Accords: India signed in June 2023 during PM Modi's US visit
- V. Narayanan: Appointed ISRO Chairman in January 2025; previously headed Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)