With over 140 Space StartUps within a short span of time, India has gained sound footing

Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology inaugurated the G20 4th Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM) in Bengaluru. At the inauguration, he stated that with over 140 Space StartUps within a short span of time, India has gained sound footing and the entire world has begun to acknowledge India’s capabilities and her potential in Space Technology.

Lauding the private sector, Dr. Jitendra Singh termed their emerging role as “pivotal” to the space economy.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said global cooperation and alliances are vital in light of the growing ambition of humans to explore outer space. An alliance of responsible space-faring nations for enhancing the share of the space economy in the global economy is the need of the hour, he said.

“The future development of humanity lies in our collective ability to responsibly harness, pool resources, and utilize space technology towards achieving sustainable development goals and improving the lives of the common man,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh.

“An alliance of responsible space-faring nations for enhancing the share of space economy in the global economy is the need of the hour, as rightly captured by the theme of this event. This aptly captures India’s G20 theme of “One Earth, One Space, and One Future” as we say in the Sanskrit language ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’,” he added.

Welcoming the private partners and think tanks from across the globe, India’s S&T Minister hoped the Space Economy Leaders Meeting of G20 countries will lead to convergence on the use of space technologies to have a real and positive impact on the planet.

“Considering the fact that G20 countries along with partner countries represent approx. 85% of global GDP, 75% of world trade, and 2/3rd of the world’s population, the decisions we take here will have a far-reaching impact on the future of the space economy,” he said.

“Today, space has touched all walks of human life, including science & technology, telecommunication, agriculture, education, health, rural development, disaster warning & mitigation, studying climate change, navigation, defense & governance to name a few,” he said.

Heads of National Space Agencies, leaders of space industries of G20, Senior diplomats of G20 nations and invited countries, and other dignitaries are attending the two-day Meeting.