New Delhi, August 21, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met the CEOs and founders of 20 space startups at Seva Teerth, with the interaction reflecting India’s growing focus on strengthening its private space industry. Discussions centred on the sector’s expansion, the wider use of space-based technologies and the scope for greater international cooperation.

The participating companies represented a broad range of areas, including rockets, reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicles, avionics, satellites, advanced propulsion systems, space and defence intelligence, space debris removal, and AI-powered hyperlocal weather and climate intelligence. Startup leaders highlighted the rapid development of India’s private space ecosystem and spoke about the time and effort invested in building indigenous technologies and capabilities. They also expressed appreciation for government support and said the opening of the space sector to private participation had created fresh opportunities while drawing growing international interest towards technologies developed by Indian companies.

Modi congratulated the entrepreneurs for taking the lead in an emerging field and said the confidence displayed by private companies had reinforced the vision behind opening the sector to private participation. He observed that several countries either lack sufficient resources or are unwilling to make major investments in space, presenting India with an opportunity to strengthen its position in the global space industry. The Prime Minister urged companies to explore wider applications of their technologies and focus on space-based solutions that can improve people’s lives. He also encouraged collaboration with organisations in other sectors, including environmental bodies, agricultural universities and government departments.

Calling for a stronger ecosystem, Modi said India should emerge as a global destination for space talent, companies and investment. He also suggested closer cooperation between space startups and Atal Tinkering Labs to generate curiosity and interest in space technology among children from an early age. The interaction, attended by leaders of companies working across launch vehicles, satellites, propulsion, intelligence and climate technology, highlighted the continued rise of India’s private space sector and its ambition to become an increasingly important force in the global space economy.