Modi stressed international cooperation in space.Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Global Conference on Space Exploration (GLEX) 2025, underscoring India's ambitious and inclusive approach to space exploration. Speaking via videoconferencing, he emphasised that “space is not merely a destination but a declaration of curiosity, courage, and collective progress,” and that Indian rockets carry not just payloads, but the dreams of 1.4 billion citizens.

Highlighting India’s progress from its first rocket launch in 1963 to becoming the first nation to land near the Moon’s South Pole, PM Modi detailed key milestones, including the Mars Orbiter Mission, Chandrayaan missions, and the recent docking of two satellites in space. He lauded India’s achievements such as developing cryogenic engines swiftly, deploying over 400 satellites for 34 countries, and launching 100 satellites in a single mission.

The Prime Minister announced that an Indian astronaut would soon travel to space under an ISRO-NASA collaboration and confirmed long-term goals like establishing the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035 and placing an Indian on the Moon by 2040, with Mars and Venus as future exploration targets.

Reaffirming India's philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), Modi stressed international cooperation in space and mentioned the G20 Satellite Mission for the Global South. He celebrated the contributions of women scientists and over 250 Indian space startups, while underlining space technology’s role in improving governance, livelihoods, and infrastructure—from fisheries alerts to railway safety.

Concluding, PM Modi called for global collaboration in space science to inspire future generations and build a better tomorrow through shared exploration and innovation.

(PIB)

Image Source: newindianexpress.