India International Space Conclave 2025 ends with strong pitch for global leadership in space

New Delhi, November 19. The India International Space Conclave (IISC) 2025 wrapped up on November 19 with a strong push for India to assume a larger role in global space exploration, industry innovation and sustainable space governance. The two-day event, hosted by the Indian Space Association (ISpA), drew more than 1,000 participants, including astronaut designates, senior Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) officials, government representatives and private-sector leaders.

Speakers across the conclave underlined that as India prepares to send its astronauts into space and expands its presence in the global space economy, the country must combine technological strength with strategic diplomacy – particularly in representing the Global South in emerging space governance frameworks.

Europe-India collaboration highlight of final day

A key milestone on the second and concluding day was the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between the European Space Agency (ESA) and ISpA to deepen cooperation, share expertise and build industry-level dialogue. The partnership aims to open new avenues for joint research, commercial projects and capability enhancement.

The day’s inaugural session featured former Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi as chief guest, alongside ISRO astronaut designates Gp Capt PB Nair and Gp Capt Angad Pratap, former ISRO Chairman AS Kiran Kumar and former Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, among others.

Leaders call for competence, speed and Global South representation

In her address, Lekhi said India must accelerate its space efforts to ensure that the future of outer space is not shaped solely by the Global North.

“India brings the voice of the Global South to the table,” she said, urging greater investment and ambition in the space ecosystem.

Astronaut designate Gp Capt PB Nair emphasised India’s responsibility to take its place in high-level global space decision-making.

“When new laws for space are written, India must be at the high table,” he said.

Gp Capt Angad Pratap noted that India’s space goals go beyond human spaceflight to include microgravity research and the creation of a viable future market for space tourism, which he said could generate major economic opportunities.

Former ISRO Chairman AS Kiran Kumar stressed that global recognition comes only through building genuine capability. He highlighted India’s technological progress as the foundation for partnerships with agencies such as NASA, and said competence is essential for protecting space as a shared global resource.

EU urges deeper strategic ties with India

In a virtual address, EU Special Envoy for Space Marjolijn Van Deelen said India was central to Europe’s long-term space and security interests. She called the inaugural EU-India Space Dialogue a stepping stone toward a more structured partnership to ensure that outer space remains safe, sustainable and secure.

Industry innovation and startup energy in focus

Former Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria pointed to the rapid rise of Indian space startups as a transformative force, while cautioning that indigenous capability must progress with realistic timelines and a focus on futuristic technologies such as AI, quantum systems, advanced avionics and cyber resilience.

ISpA Director General Lt Gen AK Bhatt (Retd) said the discussions reflected India’s widening engagement across launch systems, propulsion, in-orbit services and sustainability, noting that international collaborations – including with Japan – were bolstering India’s global role.

Dialogue on human spaceflight and future missions

A dedicated panel featuring ISRO astronaut designates, former JAXA astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, the Indian Air Force and ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre explored India’s long-term trajectory, including the country’s ambitions for a lunar mission by 2040. Suhora Technologies also showcased advancements in multi-sensor high-resolution Earth observation systems.

Report on ISAM and Orbital Sustainability released

The conclave concluded with the release of a joint ISpA–IIFCL Projects Ltd report titled “Enabling the New Space Economy: ISAM as a Pillar of Orbital Sustainability.” The study outlines how in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) can extend satellite lifespans, reduce space debris and enable new orbital business models – key to building a sustainable global space economy.