During the inaugural session of the G20 4th edition of Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM), Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space and MoS Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, highlighted India’s significant progress in the field of space technology.
Dr. Singh stated that India has successfully established over 140 space startups within a relatively short period of time, positioning the country firmly in the global space arena.
This achievement, he credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary approach to opening up India’s space sector to private players, fueling a remarkable leap forward in recent years.
Despite joining the space race later than some other nations, India has become a valuable contributor, providing crucial insights and knowledge to the world’s leading space agencies.
The Minister emphasized that the inclusion of space-related agreements as a significant aspect of PM Modi’s recent visit to the USA indicates that even countries that consider themselves pioneers in space technology are now seeking India’s contribution to enhancing their space-related endeavors.
Commending the private sector, Dr. Jitendra Singh hailed their emerging role as crucial for the growth of the space economy.
He highlighted the importance of global cooperation and alliances due to the increasing human aspirations to explore outer space.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed the urgent need for responsible spacefaring nations to join forces to elevate the space economy’s share within the global economy.
He also expressed that, as a collective, we must responsibly utilize and consolidate space technology resources in our pursuit of sustainable development goals and the betterment of the common man’s life, as it is crucial for the future progress of humanity.
The prevailing necessity calls for an alliance among responsible nations engaged in space exploration to bolster their share in the global economy.
This very essence of the event aligns aptly with India’s G20 theme, “One Earth, One Space, and One Future,” beautifully represented by the Sanskrit phrase ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ meaning the world is one family,” said the Minister.
The Minister further emphasized that space technology serves as an integrating force for various economic sectors, making investments in this domain immensely beneficial for overall national and global development.
Studies project that the space economy is poised to become a trillion-dollar sector in the forthcoming decades.
Recognizing the significance of space within the economy, India has undertaken numerous initiatives to foster collaborations and open up our space economy to forge alliances with other nations, he added.
Expressing a warm welcome to private partners and think tanks from around the world, the Minister of Science and Technology of India expressed hope that the Space Economy Leaders Meeting, comprising G20 countries, would create a platform for convergence and fruitful discussions.
