PM Narendra Modi urged nations to prioritise cooperation in space and invited the world to join India’s ambitious journey beyond Earth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the international community to choose cooperation over confrontation in space, presenting India as a committed partner in peaceful, secure and sustainable exploration beyond Earth.

Addressing the International Space Summit, Modi invited France and other countries to become “co-travellers” in India’s next phase of space exploration. He outlined a long-term roadmap that includes establishing an Indian space station by 2035 and sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.

The Prime Minister said India supports a space environment governed by international law, dialogue and multilateral cooperation. He stressed that scientific discoveries, space technologies and mission data must ultimately contribute to the common good of humanity rather than become sources of conflict.

Modi said India’s ambitions in space are expanding rapidly, supported by the country’s growing technological capabilities and experience in executing complex missions at competitive costs.

Among the major goals highlighted during his address was the plan to establish an indigenous space station by 2035. The proposed orbital facility is expected to strengthen India’s capabilities in human spaceflight, microgravity research and long-duration scientific missions.

India also aims to send one of its astronauts to the Moon by 2040. The proposed mission would mark a major step beyond the country’s robotic lunar programme and place India among a select group of nations pursuing crewed exploration of the lunar surface.

Modi said the benefits created through such programmes should not remain limited to one country. India’s guiding principle, he added, is to ensure that space-based applications and scientific progress improve lives across the world.

Highlighting India’s recent accomplishments, the Prime Minister referred to the historic landing near the Moon’s south polar region. The achievement demonstrated India’s ability to complete a technologically demanding lunar mission and expanded scientific interest in an area believed to contain valuable resources.

Modi also mentioned the Aditya-L1 mission, India’s first dedicated solar observatory. The mission is helping scientists study the Sun, its atmosphere and solar activity, which can influence satellites, communication systems and power infrastructure on Earth.

India’s growing role in the global launch market was another key part of the address. According to Modi, more than 430 satellites belonging to 34 countries have travelled into space aboard Indian rockets. The figure reflects international confidence in India’s reliable and cost-effective launch capabilities.

The Prime Minister credited the Indian Space Research Organisation for building this reputation through scientific excellence, innovation and carefully managed missions. He said ISRO’s work had earned admiration around the world while helping India expand its international partnerships.

Modi’s speech placed strong emphasis on the need to keep space safe, secure and peaceful. As more governments and private companies deploy satellites and plan missions, concerns have increased over orbital congestion, space debris and the potential militarisation of outer space.

The Prime Minister advocated cooperation anchored in international law and dialogue. His message positioned India in favour of multilateral solutions as competition among major space powers intensifies.

India’s approach, he said, is centred on using space technology to support humanity. Satellite systems already contribute to communication, navigation, weather forecasting, agriculture, disaster management and the monitoring of natural resources.

Modi’s call for nations to become partners in India’s next space frontier also indicated that New Delhi wants its future missions to include broader scientific and technological cooperation.

The Prime Minister described France as a trusted partner that has supported India’s space programme since its early years. The two countries have developed extensive cooperation in satellite technology, Earth observation, climate research and other scientific fields.

By inviting France and the wider international community to join India’s upcoming missions, Modi signalled that established partnerships will remain central to the country’s plans for a space station and crewed lunar exploration.

He also highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s private space industry. Start-ups and established companies are increasingly working on launch systems, satellites, components, data services and other space-based technologies.

The entry of private companies is adding commercial energy and new technical capabilities to a sector previously dominated by government institutions. Combined with ISRO’s expertise and stronger international cooperation, this growth could help India move faster towards its ambitious targets.

Modi’s summit address ultimately presented India’s space journey as both a national mission and an opportunity for global partnership. His central message was that the next era of exploration should be defined by shared progress, peaceful engagement and benefits that reach people across the world.