Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh proposed the establishment of a 'BRICS Space Economy' as the next frontier of global growth during the Valedictory Session of the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting in Bengaluru. The Minister called for collective action among BRICS member nations to unlock new opportunities in innovation, investment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development through space cooperation.
The two-day meeting, hosted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under India's BRICS Chairship 2026, brought together Heads of Space Agencies and senior officials from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. Participants included Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of IN-SPACe Dr. Pawan Goenka, senior officials from the Department of Space, and representatives of Indian space industries and NewSpace startups.
The meeting reviewed progress in BRICS space cooperation and deliberated on key issues including space sustainability, debris-free missions, strengthening the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC), expanding participation of new BRICS members in existing cooperation mechanisms, and advancing discussions on the proposed BRICS Space Council. Deliberations also covered future collaboration in disaster management, Earth observation, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.
Dr. Singh emphasized that BRICS countries possess the scale, scientific capabilities, technological strengths, and industrial capacity required to emerge as a major force in the rapidly expanding global space economy. He stated that the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation has already demonstrated the value of collaborative space applications through satellite data sharing among member countries. The Minister also released the Indian Space Industry Brochure and interacted with representatives of India's fast-growing NewSpace sector, showcasing Indian space startups and private enterprises to visiting BRICS delegations.
India's space achievements including Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and the continuing progress of the Gaganyaan mission were highlighted as examples of expanded frontiers of science and technology that create new avenues for international collaboration. The Minister emphasized the importance of sustainability in space activities, calling for greater international cooperation, transparency, responsible behavior, and capacity building to address challenges from increasing space traffic and orbital debris.
Dr. Singh called for BRICS nations to move beyond consultation and work towards co-development, co-innovation, and co-creation by bringing together scientists, engineers, industries, startups, and young innovators to develop solutions for global challenges and create new economic opportunities.