ScienceIndia reiterates its 2035 space-station and 2040 Moon goals while inviting global partners
At the International Space Summit in Paris, Modi framed India's next phase around international cooperation, private-sector growth and sustainable space activity.
THE INDIQA Research DeskPublished 11 Sept 2026Updated 12 Sept 20261 min read
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his address to the International Space Summit in Paris to reiterate two long-term goals: an Indian space station by 2035 and sending an Indian to the Moon by 2040.
He also highlighted India's launch services and international partnerships, saying more than 430 payloads from 34 countries have flown aboard Indian rockets. The speech placed France within a long history of India-France space cooperation dating back to the early phase of India's space programme.
The important policy shift is that India's next phase is not only about state-led missions. It increasingly combines ISRO's capabilities with private-sector participation, international scientific cooperation, Earth observation and rules for sustainable use of space.
CIVIL SERVICES VIEWStudy this development
GS-IIIGS-IIIndia's space programme and international space cooperationPrelims: HighMains: High
Why this matters
India reiterated its 2035 space-station and 2040 crewed Moon ambitions at an international summit in Paris.
Key facts
- ISRO is India's national space agency.
- India and France have a long-standing space cooperation relationship.
Key terms
- ISRO
- Indian Space Station
- Moon mission
- space economy
- France
Arguments, challenges and policy responses
- Commercialisation of India's space sector
- International cooperation and space governance
- Strategic value of human spaceflight
India’s context
Human spaceflight goals can spill over into advanced manufacturing, materials, navigation and private-space investment.
Keep in mind
The 2035 space-station and 2040 Moon dates are targets, not completed missions.
Practice question
What institutional and technological changes are needed for India to become a major human-spaceflight and commercial-space power?
Revision summary
- ISRO is India's national space agency.
- India and France have a long-standing space cooperation relationship.
- Commercialisation of India's space sector
- International cooperation and space governance
- Strategic value of human spaceflight
DISCUSSION & EDITORIAL REVIEW
Join the discussion
Comment on the story, report a factual or editorial issue, or tell us whether the article was useful.
Comments
Public comments appear after editorial review.
Was this article useful?
Tell us in one tap. Details are optional.
Report a problem with this article
