India’s space journey not about competition: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reaffirmed that India’s space journey was not about competing with others, but about reaching greater heights together.

Speaking through a video message at the 12th Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX)-2025, Modi emphasised on the collective goal of exploring space for the benefit of humanity.

Modi said, “Space is not just a destination, but a declaration of curiosity, courage and collective progress. From launching a small rocket in 1963 to becoming the first nation to land near the south pole of the moon, India’s space journey reflects this spirit. India made history by reaching Mars on its first attempt in 2014 and has also built cryogenic engines in a record time. Together, we share a common goal to explore space for the good of humanity,” he said.

The PM 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. In the coming weeks, an Indian astronaut will travel to space as part of a joint ISRO-NASA mission to the International Space Station,” Modi said.

He further outlined India’s long-term vision, stating that by 2035, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station would facilitate ground-breaking research and international collaboration.

By 2040, an Indian astronaut would leave footprints on the Moon. Besides, Mars and Venus remain key targets in India’s future space ambitions, he said.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh pointed out that India today has 290 MoUs with over 60 countries. “We have a space economy of $8 billion. Our pace of growth is not only progressive, but also increasing,” Singh said.

India