Indian Economy News

India-France Space Cooperation Enters New Phase with Focus on Human Spaceflight, Start-ups and New Space Ecosystem: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

India-France space cooperation is entering a new phase, with greater focus on human spaceflight, start-ups and emerging space applications. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said the partnership has evolved from sounding rocket experiments in the 1960s to joint satellite missions, launch vehicle technologies and human spaceflight. A high-level French delegation led by French Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space, Prof. Philippe Baptiste, met Dr. Jitendra Singh in New Delhi on September 28, 2026. The discussions covered the Space Summit, India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and cooperation in space, scientific research, CEFIPRA and the Blue Economy. The partnership includes joint satellite missions such as Megha-Tropiques and SARAL, while the third joint satellite, TRISHNA, is progressing. France is also supporting India’s Gaganyaan programme through the supply of consumables and training of flight surgeons.

The expanding Indian private space ecosystem is creating opportunities for wider government-industry and start-up collaboration. India now has more than 400 space start-ups working across rocket building, satellite development and space applications, providing scope for greater cooperation with French companies and start-ups. Discussions also covered human spaceflight, astronaut health, microgravity research and parabolic flights. The India-France Year of Innovation 2026, inaugurated by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and the President of the French Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron in February 2026, is providing a platform to advance cooperation in innovation and emerging technologies. The partnership also extends to biotechnology, digital sciences and technologies and ocean sciences through institutions and mechanisms such as CEFIPRA and Indo-French joint centres. Cooperation in the Blue Economy and India’s Deep Ocean Mission was also discussed, broadening the scope for collaboration across space, science, technology and ocean research.

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