Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Global Conference on Space Exploration (GLEX) 2025 via video conferencing on Wednesday, highlighting India’s evolving leadership in space technology and its commitment to global cooperation in advancing the frontiers of space exploration.
Welcoming delegates, astronauts, and scientists from around the world, the Prime Minister described space as “not merely a destination but a declaration of curiosity, courage, and collective progress.” He spoke of India’s extraordinary journey, from launching a small rocket in 1963 to becoming the first nation to land near the Moon’s South Pole with Chandrayaan-3.
“Indian rockets carry more than payloads—they carry the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians,” PM Modi said. He recounted key milestones in India’s space program, including the 2014 Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), which reached Mars on its first attempt and breakthroughs made by Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2 in discovering lunar water and capturing high-resolution imagery of the Moon’s surface.
The Prime Minister highlighted that India has successfully launched over 400 satellites for 34 countries, developed cryogenic engines in record time, and deployed 100 satellites in a single mission. He celebrated India’s latest achievement—docking two satellites in space this year, calling it a major stride toward future interstellar endeavors.
Reaffirming India’s approach to space as a collaborative, rather than competitive, effort, Modi emphasized the need to explore space “for the benefit of humanity.” He recalled India’s regional cooperation in launching a satellite for South Asian nations and announced that the G20 Satellite Mission, initiated during India’s G20 presidency, would become a key contribution to the Global South.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister outlined India’s ambitious roadmap in space exploration. He announced that an Indian astronaut would travel to the International Space Station in the coming weeks as part of a joint ISRO-NASA mission. He also confirmed the progress of India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, and unveiled the vision to establish the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035. By 2040, PM Modi said, an Indian astronaut would set foot on the Moon, with future missions to Mars and Venus also in sight.
Beyond exploration, the Prime Minister emphasized how space technology empowers governance and everyday life in India. He cited the use of satellites in issuing fishermen alerts, enhancing railway safety, advancing weather forecasting, and supporting the GatiShakti infrastructure platform. He noted that many of these space programs are led by women scientists, underscoring India’s inclusive approach to scientific advancement.
Encouraging innovation, PM Modi spotlighted the role of India’s burgeoning private space sector, which now includes over 250 startups engaged in areas such as satellite technology, propulsion systems, and remote imaging.