NEW DELHI — India’s space budget almost tripled in the last 10 years -- from
Rs 5,615 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 13,416 crore in 2025-26 -- the government said
on Saturday.
According to Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, India's
space technology is no longer confined only to the launch of rockets, but is
also playing a major role in revolutionising governance by supplementing
transparency, grievance redressal and citizen participation.
“In the process, there is reduced scope of corrupt
practices, more discipline in observing timelines and less of so called
red-tapism,” he said while addressing the ‘Space-Tech for Good Governance'
Conclave here.
The number of space startups has grown from one to more
than 300, positioning India as a key revenue generator in the global space
market.
India has launched 433 foreign satellites, with 396 of
them launched since 2014, generating $192 million and 272 million euros in
revenue.
Emphasizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Dr
Singh explained how space technology is playing a pivotal role in bringing ease
of living for common citizens through good governance.
The space technology has now become integral to every
Indian household, powering various governance services enabled by satellites
from the Department of Space, said the minister.
Dr Singh also pointed out that space technology also
plays a critical role in national defence, border surveillance, and
geopolitical intelligence, contributing significantly to India's security.
The minister underscored the growing significance of
India's space sector as an attractive avenue -- not only for startups and
livelihood generation but also for transforming the governance practices.
The minister also emphasised space technology’s role in
India’s agricultural sector — one of the major pillars of the economy — stating
that it has become an invaluable force multiplier in improving decision-making,
weather forecasting, communication, disaster preparedness, early warning
systems, urban planning, and security.
Dr Singh noted that India's neighbouring countries
increasingly depend on India's satellite systems, further strengthening India's
position as a regional space leader.
“Gone are the days when we used to take the lead from
others. Now, India sets the cue for others to follow, said the minister, citing
the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made India the first nation to
reach the southern pole of the Moon.
