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NEW DELHI: South Australia Governor Frances Adamson AC, currently on India visit, called on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Space, Atomic Energy and Personnel, here on Wednesday to seek deeper Space Technology collaboration between the two countries.
Frances Adamson also joined Dr Jitendra Singh in watching the special screening of the launch of the Axiom-4 mission, marking a historic moment for India as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Mission Pilot, became the latest Indian astronaut to join a global space crew en route to the International Space Station.
Dr. Jitendra Singh remarked, “It is a proud and defining moment for India, and we are honoured that H.E. Frances Adamson witnessed this milestone as a reflection of the growing India-Australia partnership in frontier technologies.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh traced the evolution of India-Australia space cooperation, recalling the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) signed in October 2012, and how the formation of the Australian Space Agency (ASA) in 2018, followed by an amendment agreement in 2021, significantly accelerated bilateral ties in the space sector.
“India deeply appreciates the consistent support extended by Australia, particularly in advancing ISRO’s flagship Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh.
He referred to the recent April 2025 visit of Indian technical teams to Canberra for discussions on Crew Module Recovery operations. “These face-to-face deliberations with multiple Australian ministries and agencies have added fresh momentum to our expanding cooperation,” he noted.
Highlighting India’s strides in space biotechnology, Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the Governor that indigenous biotech kits, developed through collaboration between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and ISRO under a formal MoU, are now being tested aboard the ISS. These kits, carried by Astronaut Shukla, are designed to examine the growth of microalgae in microgravity-critical for sustaining life in long-duration space missions.
“The intersection of space biology and space medicine is emerging as a transformative frontier, and India has already made significant inroads in these sectors,” Dr. Singh emphasized.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed the growing importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in building robust space ecosystems and welcomed Australian interest in partnering with Indian startups and industries. He acknowledged the role of ASA’s International Space Investment – India Stream as a positive example of structured cooperation.
“India’s space journey is increasingly powered by a collaborative spirit across nations and sectors, and we see Australia as a key and trusted partner,” the Minister said.
Recognizing the vast marine resources both nations share, the two sides also deliberated on initiating an extended framework of India-Australia Marine Cooperation, aimed at sustainable exploration, conservation, and innovation in ocean sciences.
Governor Frances Adamson AC expressed deep admiration for India’s space achievements and conveyed her good wishes for the Gaganyaan mission and other upcoming milestones. She emphasized that cultural connections and scientific collaborations would go a long way in strengthening mutual ties.
“Australia deeply values its scientific and strategic partnership with India and looks forward to advancing joint initiatives in space, marine research, and innovation,” she added.
She was accompanied by Philip Green, Australian High Commissioner to India.
