PM hails space startups as Congress alleges ‘plan’ to privatise ISRO

The Congress’ remarks came against the backdrop of comments by IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka that ISRO was gradually moving away from the manufacturing of launch vehicles and routine satellites as private players take on a larger role in the space sector.

According to Goenka, the transition would enable ISRO to focus more on research, advanced technologies, scientific missions and large-scale space programmes. The space agency is increasingly concentrating on ambitious missions, including deep-space exploration, the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

Interacting with the space startup CEOs here, Modi praised their “energy, ambition and innovative spirit” and said the government’s consistent policy decisions were aimed at giving entrepreneurs the confidence to take risks and invest in new technologies.

“You have shown courage in a new field. The most important thing is that you trusted the government’s word,” Modi said, stressing the importance of policy consistency so that entrepreneurs willing to take risks do not fear being abandoned if their ventures face setbacks.

The PM said India’s space startups were increasingly attracting global attention and urged the industry to explore new applications of space technology. “Now the world must be searching for India’s startups, wondering who is behind this. Because when there is a breakthrough, immediately people’s attention goes there,” he said.

Modi also underlined the need to attract global talent to India, saying the country should create an ecosystem in which people from across the world aspire to build their careers in India and join its startups and space agencies. He said people who had earlier moved abroad were now returning and expressed confidence that India’s growing space ecosystem could act as a “magnet” for talent from around the world.

However, the Congress sharply criticised the government’s approach to the space sector, alleging that increasing private-sector participation amounted to an attempt to privatise ISRO.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the Modi government of pursuing a broader strategy of privatisation, saying, “This is all part of the Modi gameplan and strategy. Privatise ISRO, Atomic Energy, DRDO and perhaps ICAR as well.”

Congress leader Pawan Khera also targetted the Prime Minister, saying, “Irony has left Earth's orbit,” and alleged that the government had “sold ISRO”.

"The person who screamed that Congress would sell your Mangalsutra has now gone ahead and sold ISRO itself," Khera said while greeting the nation on National Space Day.