New Delhi, June 24: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Space Jitendra Singh on Wednesday pitched the idea of a “BRICS Space Economy”, urging member nations to work collectively to unlock opportunities in innovation, investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development through enhanced cooperation in the space sector.
Addressing the valedictory session of the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting in Bengaluru, Singh said BRICS nations possess the scientific capabilities, technological strengths and industrial capacity needed to emerge as a major force in the rapidly expanding global space economy.
“The future of the space economy will not be shaped by nations working in isolation. It will be shaped by partnerships, shared innovation and collective ambition,” Singh said, adding that BRICS countries have the potential to become a key pillar of the emerging global space ecosystem.
Hosted by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, the two-day meeting brought together heads of space agencies and senior officials from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
Singh released the Indian Space Industry Brochure, exchanged mementoes with participating agency heads and interacted with representatives of India’s growing NewSpace sector. The interaction showcased the capabilities of Indian space startups and private enterprises before visiting BRICS delegations.
Among those present were ISRO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space V. Narayanan, IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka, senior Department of Space officials, representatives of Indian space industries and NewSpace startups.
The meeting reviewed progress in BRICS space cooperation and discussed issues including space sustainability, debris-free missions, strengthening the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC), expanding participation of newer BRICS members in existing mechanisms and advancing discussions on a proposed BRICS Space Council.
Delegates also deliberated on future collaboration in disaster management, Earth observation, capacity building and knowledge sharing.
Highlighting the growing importance of space technology, Singh said it has become a major driver of economic transformation and societal progress by strengthening communication, navigation, disaster preparedness, agriculture, healthcare, education and environmental monitoring systems.
He said global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, food and water security, environmental degradation and sustainable urbanisation increasingly require collective solutions supported by advanced space technologies.
Referring to BRICS’ expanding role in the global space sector, Singh said the grouping accounts for a significant share of the world’s population, economic output, scientific expertise and technological capability. Greater cooperation among member countries, he said, could create new opportunities for innovation, technology transfer, industrial partnerships and investment while addressing common developmental priorities.
The Minister noted that the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation has already demonstrated the benefits of collaborative space applications through satellite data-sharing among member countries. He expressed confidence that institutional mechanisms such as the proposed BRICS Space Council would provide greater momentum and continuity to future cooperation.
Singh said India’s space programme has consistently focused on ensuring that the benefits of space technology reach ordinary citizens. He said reforms introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have opened the sector to private industry, startups, academia and global partnerships, creating one of the world’s fastest-growing space ecosystems.
He highlighted India’s recent achievements, including Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1 and the ongoing Gaganyaan programme, saying they have expanded scientific frontiers while creating new avenues for international collaboration.
Emphasising sustainability, Singh said the long-term future of space activities depends on preserving outer space as a safe, secure and sustainable domain. He called for greater international cooperation, transparency, responsible behaviour and capacity building to address challenges posed by increasing space traffic and orbital debris.
Welcoming discussions on debris-free missions and sustainable space operations, he described them as important steps towards safeguarding the space environment for future generations.
Calling for a more ambitious framework of cooperation, Singh said India envisions BRICS space engagement evolving from coordination to co-creation.
“BRICS nations must move beyond consultation and work towards co-development, co-innovation and co-creation,” he said, adding that collaboration among scientists, engineers, industries, startups and young innovators could help address global challenges while creating new economic opportunities and advancing shared prosperity.
The Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with BRICS partners to translate shared aspirations into concrete outcomes and ensure that space remains a driver of development, resilience, innovation, sustainability and international cooperation.
