Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its growing global contribution to space exploration and satellite launch services, noting that more than 430 satellites from 34 countries have travelled to space aboard Indian rockets. He made the remarks while addressing the first International Space Summit in Paris through video conference on September 10, 2026.
During his address, PM Modi said ISRO has earned global admiration for its technological capabilities and cost-effective missions. He highlighted how India’s space technologies are contributing to practical applications on Earth, including weather forecasting, disaster management, navigation and services benefiting farmers and fishermen.
The Prime Minister said India’s space programme reflects the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or “One Earth, One Family, One Future”. He stressed that as space becomes increasingly crowded and more countries and private entities enter the sector, international cooperation will be essential to ensure the long-term sustainability and security of outer space. India, he said, supports a safe, secure, peaceful and sustainable space environment based on international law, dialogue and multilateral cooperation.
PM Modi also credited generations of Indian scientists, engineers and technicians for establishing ISRO as a respected space organisation. He pointed to major achievements including the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing and the Aditya-L1 solar mission. He further highlighted India’s expanding human spaceflight ambitions, saying the country aims to establish an Indian space station by 2035 and send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
The Prime Minister also noted the rapid growth of India’s private space sector, saying that the energy of emerging enterprises is complementing ISRO’s established capabilities. India’s space ecosystem is increasingly bringing together government institutions, startups and industry to expand technological development and commercial opportunities.
India’s space partnership with France was another key element of the address. PM Modi recalled that France has been a trusted partner since the early years of India’s space programme and said cooperation between the two countries now covers areas including Earth observation and advanced space technologies. He invited France and other countries to become partners in India’s next phase of space exploration.
The Prime Minister concluded by calling for collective efforts to explore, innovate and protect outer space. His remarks at the Paris summit underline India’s ambition to expand its role in the global space sector while promoting international cooperation, sustainable use of space and the wider benefits of space technology.