Dr Jitendra Informs LS About Measures To Encourage Private Participation In Space Sector

NEW DELHI : Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Wednesday informed the Lok Sabha that significant and concrete measures have been undertaken over the past four years to encourage private participation in the Space sector, in line with the transformative Space Sector Reforms announced in 2020.
The Minister stated that the Government has put in place a comprehensive policy, regulatory and promotional framework to unlock India’s space economy and empower Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) to participate across the entire value chain of the sector.
Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the House that the Government has notified the Indian Space Policy, 2023, which lays down clearly defined roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders and provides a long-term strategic direction for the growth of the space ecosystem. To further accelerate private sector involvement and attract global investments, the Government has introduced a liberalised and investor-friendly FDI policy for the space sector, enabling technology transfer, international collaborations, and capital infusion. He also highlighted that multiple investment schemes, such as the IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme, the Technology Adoption Fund (TAF), and a ₹1000 crore Venture Capital Fund, have been instituted to support start-ups and innovation-driven enterprises.
The Minister elaborated that IN-SPACe, the nodal agency established to promote private sector participation, has taken several enabling measures, including the release of a “Decadal Vision and Strategy for the Development of the Indian Space Economy,” which outlines India’s space growth roadmap for the next decade. IN-SPACe has also implemented promotion and support mechanisms such as price support for accessing ISRO facilities, open access to Earth Observation data, launch services, technology sharing, and design lab usage—all aimed at reducing entry barriers and strengthening industry capabilities.
Dr. Jitendra Singh further stated that the reforms have resulted in 110 authorised space activities and facilitation of over 600 applications from NGEs seeking support for testing, mentorship, authorisation, and technology transfer. IN-SPACehas also taken steps to connect Indian start-ups and companies with global space organisations, agencies, and multinational firms to foster international collaboration and boost India’s global footprint.
In addition to policy and facilitation measures, the Minister informed that ISRO technologies have been widely transferred to industry, including the transfer of SSLV technology to HAL. A “Catalogue of Indian Standards for Space Industry,” developed jointly with ISRO and BIS, will help ensure quality and reliability of space systems manufactured by private entities. Skill development remains a priority, with 11 specialised training courses having benefited more than 700 individuals across the country.
Highlighting India’s progress in private space missions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that IN-SPACe has facilitated two successful sub-orbital launches by M/s Skyroot in 2022 and M/s Agnikul in 2024. Six NGEs have already launched nineteen satellites, demonstrating rapid capability development in the private sector. An orbital slot has also been allotted to an NGE for operational communication services. Further, IN-SPACe has established a state-of-the-art Technical Centre in Ahmedabad, initiated “AntakrishPrayogshalas” (Centres of Excellence) in academic institutions, and partnered with several State Governments, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, to develop dedicated space manufacturing clusters. A ₹1,200 crore PPP project to build India’s first commercial Earth Observation satellite constellation has been awarded to a consortium, marking a major step toward commercial space assets.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that IN-SPACehas so far issued 110 Authorisations, signed 95 Joint Project & Implementation Plans (JPIPs), supported 7 NGEs under the Seed Fund Scheme, and enabled nearly 700 individuals through skill development initiatives. These comprehensive reforms, he emphasised, reflect the Government’s unwavering commitment to building a vibrant, innovation-driven, and globally competitive private space sector in India.