Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and French Minister Prof Philippe Baptiste held a virtual bilateral meeting to deepen India-France space cooperation, with specific focus on human spaceflight, advanced space technologies, and enhanced engagement between space agencies and industries. The discussion occurred ahead of two major events: the International Space Summit in Paris scheduled for September 9-10, 2026, and the Bengaluru Space Expo scheduled for September 7-9, 2026.
A key outcome was the invitation extended to the Chairman of ISRO/Secretary of the Department of Space to deliver the opening keynote address at the Paris Summit on India's future human spaceflight in Low Earth Orbit. Dr. Singh also offered that additional Indian delegation members could present on design and manufacturing technologies in space, connectivity from space, and exploration beyond the International Space Station if considered useful by the French side.
The ministers discussed Summit deliverables focusing on sustainable use of outer space, accessibility and integrity of space-based scientific data, and support for the International Telecommunication Union's regulatory framework for frequency management. India expressed readiness to exchange views during the finalization of these initiatives.
Minister Baptiste is scheduled to visit India from September 28-30, 2026, with plans to visit ISRO facilities in Bengaluru and meet with Dr. Singh. Both sides agreed to continue consultations on possible cooperation areas and additional presentations for the Paris Summit.
The meeting acknowledged the nearly six-decade space partnership between India and France, which has included joint satellite missions Megha-Tropiques and SARAL through cooperation between ISRO and France's CNES. Current cooperation continues in Earth observation and climate-related applications, with both sides reaffirming commitment to deepen cooperation through innovation, research, human spaceflight, technology development, and growing private space sector participation.