The India International Space Conclave (IISC) 2025, hosted by the Indian Space Association (ISpA), concluded with a resounding message: India is primed to lead the future of global space exploration, advanced space innovation, and sustainable space governance. Over two impactful days, the event brought together ISRO astronaut designates, global space agencies, defence officials, technology leaders, and space-tech startups. With over 1,000 participants, the conclave highlighted India’s growing leadership in the New Space economy, showcasing missions, breakthroughs, and international partnerships that will define the next chapter of global space policy. Speakers emphasized India’s responsibility to champion the Global South, strengthen collaboration, expand competence, and drive inclusive space development.
India–Europe Partnership Strengthens Global Space Cooperation
A major highlight was the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between the European Space Agency (ESA) and ISpA, paving the way for deeper cooperation in space research, commercial space projects, capability building, and emerging space technologies. This landmark collaboration aims to expand joint opportunities across the world’s fastest-growing space ecosystems.
Top Leaders Reinforce India’s Role in Space Governance
Key speakers included Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, ISRO astronaut designates Gp. Capt. PB Nair and Gp. Capt. Angad Pratap, AS Kiran Kumar, and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd.). Together, they highlighted the importance of competence, innovation, and strategic partnerships in India’s rise as a global space power.
Championing the Global South in Space Policy
Meenakshi Lekhi emphasized India’s growing responsibility to represent developing nations in global space governance, noting that India’s rise brings widespread benefits for humanity and strengthens global inclusivity.
Astronaut designates PB Nair and Angad Pratap underscored India’s crucial role in shaping new space laws, expanding microgravity research, advancing human spaceflight, and unlocking new opportunities in deep-space exploration and space tourism, which will contribute significantly to India’s economic growth.
Former ISRO Chairman AS Kiran Kumar stressed that India’s influence in global space policy will grow only through demonstrated technical excellence and credible capability, reinforcing cooperation with agencies like NASA, ESA, and JAXA.
In her virtual address, H.E. Marjolijn Van Deelen, EU Special Envoy for Space, stated that India is central to Europe’s long-term space security strategy, highlighting the need for stronger EU–India cooperation to ensure a safe and sustainable space environment.
Startups Power India’s New Space Momentum
Former Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd.) credited India’s surge in space innovation to dynamic startups leveraging AI, quantum technologies, cyber resilience, and next-gen space systems—key drivers of India’s transition to indigenous capability.
Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt (Retd.), Director General of ISpA, highlighted India’s growing footprint in international space missions, pointing to collaborative initiatives like the Indo-Japanese dialogue as examples of deepening global partnerships.
India’s 2040 Vision
A forward-looking panel featuring ISRO astronaut designates, former JAXA astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, and leaders from the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) and IAF outlined India’s roadmap toward a 2040 human lunar mission, advancements in space robotics, and innovations in high-resolution Earth observation from companies like Suhora Technologies.
ISAM Report Highlights the Future of Orbital Sustainability
The conclave also saw the launch of the report “Enabling the New Space Economy: ISAM as a Pillar of Orbital Sustainability” by ISpA and IIFCL Projects Ltd. The report underscores how In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) can:
- Extend satellite lifespans
- Reduce space debris
- Enable new in-orbit business models
- Build a more sustainable and resilient space economy
