New Delhi, June 15: The fifth edition of the India Space Congress (ISC) 2026 was grandly inaugurated in New Delhi on Monday. The event brought together over 700 delegates from 25 countries, including 55 partner institutions, policymakers, industry leaders, investors, defense experts, researchers, startups, academics, and representatives from international organizations.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President of the Space Industry Association of India (SIA-India), emphasized the interconnected goals of reshaping the global space landscape, developing new models of collaboration, and realizing the next era of space. He stated that space-based services have become a crucial foundation of the global economy, and the future will belong to those countries and institutions that work together to build secure and sustainable space capabilities.
The first day of the conference highlighted the importance of international collaboration. Discussions focused on strengthening partnerships in the space sector between India and Thailand, India and Taiwan, as well as countries in the Global South. Experts stressed the need to enhance cooperation in technology, manufacturing, innovation, talent, and investment.
Fe Chusri, Deputy Executive Director of Thailand’s space agency GISTDA, pointed out the necessity of strengthening industry-based partnerships between India and Thailand. Meanwhile, Dr. Mumin Chen, a representative from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India, noted that the next developments in the space sector will rely on strategic partnerships and shared capabilities.
Canada’s High Commission’s Commerce Minister Ed Jager highlighted the vast potential for collaboration between India and Canada in innovation, advanced technology, investment, and the commercial space sector. Dr. Gay Jane Perez, Director-General of the Philippines Space Agency, emphasized the significance of India-Philippines cooperation in satellite applications, Earth observation, research, and capacity building.
The conference also addressed the role of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced data analytics, geospatial intelligence systems, Earth observation, and next-generation computing technologies. Experts indicated that the future space economy will depend on the ability to convert vast data obtained from space into actionable insights.
Extensive discussions were held on satellite communications and direct-to-device services. Speakers noted that satellite-based networks will play a crucial role in providing digital connectivity to remote, rural, and disaster-affected areas.
The security and resilience of space infrastructure were also emphasized during the event. Experts warned that governments, the defense sector, financial institutions, and essential services are increasingly reliant on space-based systems, making their security paramount.
Three significant reports were released during the program. These included the regulatory framework for direct-to-device satellite services in India, recognition of space infrastructure as a national critical asset, and topics related to space security and global strategy.
Additionally, a new national initiative called the “Geopolitics-India Space Policy Ideathon” was launched, aimed at preparing the next generation of leadership in space technology, public policy, governance, and innovation.
On the first day, the India Space Congress Excellence Awards 2026 were also presented, recognizing outstanding contributions in various categories, including Space Startup of the Year, Space Technology and Innovation, Emerging Young Leader, and Emerging Women Space Leader.
The upcoming sessions of the India Space Congress 2026 will continue to delve into the global space economy, technological collaboration, and the creation of a secure and sustainable space ecosystem.
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