Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the nation via video message on the occasion of National Space Day 2025, extending warm wishes and lauding India’s achievements in the space sector.
He highlighted that this year’s theme, “From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan”, represents both the confidence of India’s past and the determination for its future.
The Prime Minister noted that in a short span of time, National Space Day has become an occasion of enthusiasm and attraction for India’s youth, which he described as a matter of national pride. He conveyed greetings to all those associated with the space sector, including scientists and young people.
Modi pointed out that India is currently hosting the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, with nearly 300 participants from more than sixty countries.
Expressing happiness over Indian participants winning medals at the event, he said the Olympiad symbolises India’s growing global leadership in the field of space.
He added that to further spark interest in space among youth, ISRO has launched initiatives such as the Indian Space Hackathon and the Robotics Challenge, congratulating all students and winners.
“Achieving milestone after milestone in the space sector has become a natural trait of India and its scientists,” said Modi.
Recalling that two years ago India became the first country to reach the South Pole of the Moon, he highlighted that India is now the fourth nation in the world to possess docking-undocking capabilities in space.
He also shared that just three days earlier, he met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who unfurled the national flag at the International Space Station, a moment that filled every Indian with pride.
The Prime Minister said that in his interaction with Group Captain Shukla, he witnessed the boundless courage and infinite dreams of the youth of New India.
To advance these aspirations, Modi announced that India is preparing an “Astronaut Pool” and invited young citizens to join it to help give flight to the nation’s ambitions.
He further stated that India is making rapid progress in advanced technologies such as semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion. “Soon, thanks to the tireless efforts of Indian scientists, India will launch the Gaganyaan mission, and in the coming years, India will also establish its own space station,” he said.
Modi added that India has already reached the Moon and Mars and must now aim to explore deeper into space. “Beyond galaxies lies our horizon,” he remarked.
He stressed that the infinite expanse of space reminds humanity that no destination is ever final, and similarly, policy-level reforms in the space sector should have no finality.
Recalling his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Modi reiterated that India’s path is one of Reform, Perform, and Transform. He noted that over the past eleven years, India has implemented major reforms in the space sector, lifting earlier restrictions and encouraging private sector participation.
The Prime Minister said that today, more than 350 startups are driving innovation in space technology. Announcing that the first PSLV rocket built by the private sector will soon be launched, he added that India’s first private communication satellite is also under development.
Preparations are underway, he said, to launch an Earth Observation Satellite Constellation through Public-Private Partnership.
Recalling his Independence Day address on August 15, 2025, Modi urged India’s space startups to set ambitious goals, challenging them to create five unicorns in the space sector over the next five years.
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He observed that India currently witnesses 5–6 major launches annually and called upon the private sector to work towards enabling 50 launches each year within the next five years. He assured the space community of the government’s support in achieving this vision.
Modi emphasised that space technology is not only a tool for scientific exploration but also a means to enhance everyday life.
Citing examples, he mentioned satellite-based crop insurance assessments, satellite-enabled information for fishermen, disaster management applications, and the use of geospatial data in the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
He informed that National Meet 2.0 was organised yesterday to promote the use of space technology across central and state governments and expressed his hope for such initiatives to continue.
Encouraging startups to develop innovative solutions for public service, Modi concluded with confidence that India’s journey in space will reach new heights. He extended his best wishes to all on National Space Day.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, ISRO officials, scientists and engineers were present among other dignitaries at the event.
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