India's space sector: PM Modi urges startups to expand into agriculture and environment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with CEOs and founders of 20 Indian space startups to discuss the expansion of the nation's private space ecosystem. During the interaction, Modi urged entrepreneurs to apply space technologies to practical, everyday sectors such as agriculture, livestock management, dairy, and environmental protection. He suggested that companies specializing in space debris removal could collaborate with environmental organizations, while those in the agricultural space could partner with universities to assist farmers.

The meeting highlighted India's rapid growth in the space sector following policy reforms that opened the industry to private participation. As of 2026, the number of registered space startups has grown to approximately 440, contributing to a space economy estimated at $9 billion. Projections suggest this economy could reach $40–45 billion over the next decade.

Additionally, the nation observed National Space Day on August 23, commemorating the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the lunar south pole in 2023. The occasion served to celebrate India's scientific achievements and encourage the next generation of innovators to pursue careers in science and technology.