Indian Space Association (ISpA) and GIFAS of France on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 2nd annual Indian Space Conclave.
This partnership aims to increase awareness of business opportunities in the space industry in both France and India. Organised by the Indian Space Association, the first day focused on collaboration between India and France in the space sector and was attended by representatives from both countries’ space industry leaders, startups, and government officials.
This collaboration will promote sustainable growth, innovation, and the adoption of new technologies in the space industries of both countries. The MoU will strengthen the existing Indo-French relationship in the space sector and expand the memberships of both organizations by fostering international connections. Additionally, it will facilitate academic and educational program exchanges between the two organizations, including training at all levels, especially important as global interest in the space sector grows among students.
The Indian Space Conclave includes a three-day exhibition featuring 24 exhibitors from leading space startups and academic institutions, showcasing their products and offerings. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador-Designate of France in India, and Governor Shekhar Dutt, SM (Retd), Former Defence Secretary and Governor of Chhattisgarh, inaugurated the exhibition.
S Somanath, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO, in a video message praised ISpA for nurturing space startups and the integration of private industries into the space sector, which he sees as a significant milestone. He emphasized the transformative potential of the space sector for sustainable development, disaster management, business, and geospatial policy. Somanath also mentioned the imminent release of FDI rules that will encourage foreign investments in the space sector.
In his inaugural address Lt Gen AK Bhatt (Retd.), Director General of the Indian Space Association, spoke about the growing role of the Indian private space industry and the potential for collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive innovation and progress. He emphasized the importance of the alliance with France in advancing space exploration.
Astronaut Thomas Pesquet from the European Space Agency (ESA) highlighted the significance of space exploration in addressing climate change and emphasized the potential of collaboration between private industries and the space sector. In his remarks he talked about a future where private industries are seamlessly integrated into every aspect of space exploration.
Cédric Post, Deputy Director International, European and Commercial Affairs at GIFAS, expressed excitement about the collaboration between India and France in space exploration. He stressed the partnership’s role in shaping the future of the space sector, fostering innovation, business development, and policy regulation. Post sees the convergence of public and private sectors as a game-changer that will redefine the space industry landscape.
The Indo-French space collaboration has achieved significant milestones, including joint efforts in India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight initiative and France’s participation in ISRO’s Venus mission in 2025. Both countries are committed to enhancing collaboration between their startup ecosystems to drive innovation in the space sector.