Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the International Space Summit in Paris, France via video conference on September 10, 2026, emphasizing global cooperation in space exploration. The Prime Minister outlined India's philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future) as the foundation for space cooperation, advocating for cooperation over confrontation, sustainability over short-term gain, and inclusion over exclusion in space activities.
PM Modi highlighted ISRO's significant achievements, noting that the organization has earned global admiration for its excellence and cost-effective missions. He revealed that ISRO has successfully deployed more than 430 payloads from 34 countries aboard domestic rockets, demonstrating India's collaborative approach to space technology. The Prime Minister credited generations of Indian scientists, engineers, and technicians for building ISRO's global reputation through their relentless efforts.
The address included specific milestones such as the Aditya-L1 mission currently studying the Sun, an Indian astronaut's visit to the International Space Station in the previous year, and the historic Chandrayaan-3 mission that made India the first nation to land near the lunar south pole. PM Modi announced ambitious future targets including establishing an indigenous space station by 2035 and sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040, with the guiding principle that benefits must reach all humanity.
PM Modi noted the rapid evolution of India's domestic commercial space ecosystem, observing that the private space sector is surging alongside institutional agencies with dynamic synergy forming between emerging startups and established organizations. He highlighted France's role as a trusted partner since the inception of the Indian space program at Thumba in the 1960s, with current cooperation spanning Earth observation and advanced technologies. The Prime Minister extended an open invitation to international stakeholders, including France, to participate in India's upcoming exploratory missions and join as co-travelers in India's next space frontier.