PM Modi meets CEOs of 20 space startups, ask them for wider applications of space tech to improve people’s lives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met chief executives and founders of 20 Indian space startups in New Delhi on Friday, urging them to expand applications of space technology across sectors that directly affect citizens’ lives. The interaction included leaders from Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, GalaxEye, PierSight, Bellatrix Aerospace and Digantara, among others, as India’s nascent private space ecosystem prepares for a major commercial scale-up.

“It was wonderful to meet the yuva urja of India’s space sector…young entrepreneurs and innovators who have shown remarkable courage by entering a new and demanding domain. They have taken risks, trusted the reform process and remained consistent in their efforts. Due to this, India has achieved a lot in the space sector in the last few years. I also urged the startups to think about how space technology can contribute immensely to agriculture, livestock management, dairy, environment and many other areas that touch everyday lives. Our private space ecosystem can become a major force for India and for the world!” Modi posted on X following the meeting.

The prime minister emphasised collaboration between the space industry and social development sectors, and encouraged engagement with Atal Tinkering Labs to foster curiosity about space among young students. His call comes as industry and regulators forecast rapid expansion: IN-SPACe chairman Vivek Goenka told a business conclave that India’s space sector is expected to grow from $8 billion to $44 billion by 2033, with roughly $11 billion of that revenue anticipated from foreign customers.

Goenka painted a picture of an accelerating commercial phase. He noted that of about 450 space startups in India, around 20 have matured sufficiently to ramp up commercial operations. “Skyroot’s order book is booked for 2-3 years, Agnikul is the first company in India that is working on a reusable rocket, Pixxel is building a constellation of earth observation satellites under IN-SPACe public-private partnership, Digantara is working on end-to-end space situational awareness (SSA) and space domain awareness (SDA) infrastructure and an Indian company is working on the refuelling system,” he said.

Goenka also provided business metrics and sectoral demand drivers: many of these startups reportedly have Rs 10-20 crore businesses that are growing at 2x–3x rates. He identified three growth engines — government demand as an anchor customer, broader adoption of space-enabled services across agriculture, defence, mining, fisheries, weather forecasting and automotive sectors, and stronger international market access.

Defence demand is already significant: Goenka said the defence sector has ordered 31 dedicated military surveillance satellites to be built by domestic private companies, while the national space agency will manufacture an additional 21 satellites. Specific company developments cited include Skyroot’s strong order book and Agnikul’s work on reusability; Pixxel’s planned Earth observation constellation under an IN-SPACe public-private partnership; and Digantara’s focus on SSA/SDA capabilities.

Implications and outlook

• Commercial scale-up: The projection to reach $44 billion by 2033 frames an aggressive growth target and anticipates substantial foreign revenue (about $11 billion).
• Public-sector anchoring: Government and defence orders — including 31 private-sector military surveillance satellites — are acting as near-term demand anchors.
• Sectoral spillovers: Modi’s push for applications in agriculture, livestock, dairy and environment signals policy interest in using space data and services for public benefit, which could broaden domestic markets for startup products.
• Operational challenges: While a subset of startups is commercially active, the bulk of the 450 startups will need to convert technical progress into sustained contracts, scale manufacturing and secure export customers to meet the projected growth trajectory.