PM Modi opens global space meet in New Delhi hours after Operation Sindoor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 12th Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025 in New Delhi on Wednesday, just hours following India’s counterattacks related to Operation Sindoor.

The prime minister highlighted that India’s space exploration focuses on “ascending together” instead of rivalry with others.  In his speech, Modi emphasized India’s major achievements in space exploration, indicating the country’s dedication to international collaboration and the well-being of humankind.

PM Modi highlighted the significant accomplishments of India’s Chandrayaan missions: “Chandrayaan-1 helped discover water on the Moon, Chandrayaan-2 provided the highest resolution images of the lunar surface, and Chandrayaan-3 deepened our understanding of the Moon’s south pole.”

He also highlighted India’s capability in satellite launches, having deployed 100 satellites in one mission and launched more than 400 satellites for 34 nations using Indian launch vehicles. This year, India achieved a significant milestone by successfully docking two satellites in space, marking a first for the nation.

The Prime Minister stressed that India’s space ambitions are not about racing others but about collaborative progress. “We share a common goal to explore space for the good of humanity,” he said.

India has previously deployed satellites for South Asian countries and is now set to offer a G20 satellite mission aimed at environmental and climate monitoring to the Global South, embodying India’s principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family. Modi emphasized India’s inaugural human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, as a representation of the nation’s growing ambitions.

In the upcoming weeks, an Indian astronaut will journey to space as part of the collaborative ISRO-NASA mission, signifying a new phase of international partnership. He also noted the upcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station, which will boost international cooperation.

In addition to exploration, PM Modi highlighted space as a means for empowerment—enhancing governance, livelihoods, and motivating future generations.

Satellites assist fishermen by providing alerts, bolster the Gati Shakti initiative, and improve weather predictions for all Indians. The opening of the space sector to startups has resulted in more than 250 innovative space startups focusing on satellite technology, propulsion, and imaging, with numerous missions spearheaded by women scientists.

The prime minister stated that India’s vision for space is deeply anchored in unity and collective advancement, striving to expand horizons while elevating humanity as a whole.