The Department of Space provided a detailed parliamentary response on India's space program budget allocation and global competitiveness assessment. The total budget allocation for 2026-27 stands at ₹10,397 crore (BE), representing a 17% increase from the 2025-26 revised estimate of ₹9,602 crore. Budget allocation has shown consistent growth from ₹8,873 crore in 2021-22 to the current ₹10,397 crore for 2026-27.
Budget breakdown by scheme reveals Space Technology receives the largest allocation at ₹10,397 crore for 2026-27, covering launch vehicles, earth observation satellites, navigation systems, and facility creation. Space Applications receives ₹1,725 crore for programs including NNRMS and DMS, while Space Sciences sees a significant increase to ₹570 crore from ₹185 crore in the previous year, supporting planetary missions and sponsored research. The Indian National Satellite System allocation decreases to ₹131 crore from ₹206 crore for communication satellites.
India's global space standing assessment highlights several achievements: successful completion of 100 launches from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, reliable launch services through PSLV, GSLV and LVM3 vehicles, including dedicated commercial missions for domestic and international customers. The program launched the heaviest satellite to GTO (CMS-03) and the heaviest commercial satellite from India for a US customer. Technological advancements include Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technologies, stage recovery, semi-cryogenic propulsion, Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), and LOX-methane propulsion systems.
The Gaganyaan Programme progresses toward human spaceflight capability with development of human-rated launch systems and crew module technologies, alongside plans for Bharatiya Antariksh Station under Space Vision 2047. India achieved first soft landing near lunar south pole through Chandrayaan-3 and became third country to place solar observatory at Sun-Earth L1 point through Aditya-L1 mission. The SPADEX mission demonstrated autonomous docking and undocking capability, making India the fourth country to achieve this technology.
Private space startups have achieved significant milestones: Skyroot Aerospace developed Vikram-S, India's first privately developed rocket, and launched Vikram-1 to orbit. Agnikul Cosmos executed Agnibaan SOrTeD mission featuring single-piece 3D-printed engine, while Pixxel deployed high-resolution hyperspectral satellite constellations. Government reforms through IN-SPACe and NSIL have opened the space sector to private participation, enabling commercialization of launch services and technology transfers.
Through these achievements in launch capability, satellite development, scientific missions, and private sector participation, India has emerged as one of the world's leading spacefaring nations with strong global presence. The information was provided by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.