New Delhi, 23 August (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India’s rapidly expanding private space sector has emerged as an attractive destination for global investors, while Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Dr V. Narayanan highlighted the historic success of Chandrayaan-3, the scientific data generated by the mission and its ability to inspire 1.4 billion Indians.

In a message to the nation on National Space Day, PM Modi said India’s growing global influence in the space sector, particularly the rapidly expanding role of private players, has made the country an attractive destination for investors from across the world.

The Prime Minister said India was steadily strengthening its global presence in space, a development reflected in the growing capabilities of the country’s space programme. He also praised the younger generation, particularly Generation Z, for developing new technologies and driving innovation.

Sharing a video featuring excerpts from his speeches, PM Modi said the country was witnessing the beginning of a new cycle of transformation, with India continuously expanding its presence in the global space ecosystem.

PM Modi said India has set itself the ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 and that the space sector would play a crucial role in achieving this objective. He added that the country’s growing capabilities in space science and technology were becoming an important component of India’s broader development journey.

The Prime Minister also praised the achievements of India’s private space sector, saying Indian private-sector talent was establishing a distinct identity globally. He said the country’s space industry had become a major attraction for global investors.

According to PM Modi, the increasing participation of private companies and startups has provided fresh momentum to India’s space ecosystem, creating new opportunities for space-related technologies, innovation and investment.

He further said ISRO’s achievements were inspiring the next generation of Indian scientists. The success of India’s space missions, he noted, has encouraged many children to dream of becoming scientists and has helped generate greater interest in science, technology and research among young people.

Meanwhile, ISRO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space Dr V. Narayanan called for greater innovation, collaboration and the pursuit of ambitious goals to propel India towards global leadership in the space sector.

Speaking at the third National Space Day celebrations in Ahmedabad, Narayanan recalled India’s journey from the modest beginnings of its space programme to its present-day achievements.

He said that when India’s space programme began, rocket components were transported on old bicycles because the country did not have any other suitable means of transportation. From those humble beginnings, he said, India had progressed to become a global leader across several areas of space technology.

Narayanan also highlighted the historic achievement of Chandrayaan-3, which successfully completed a soft landing near the Moon’s southern polar region. He stressed that the mission’s success went far beyond merely achieving a safe landing on the lunar surface.

The mission generated a substantial volume of valuable scientific data, which has been made available to the global scientific community. Researchers around the world can use the data for further studies and discoveries relating to the Moon, he said.

Narayanan said another major achievement of Chandrayaan-3 was its ability to inspire 1.4 billion Indians and generate a renewed sense of interest and confidence in the country’s space capabilities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar