India and France are extending their space cooperation, with firms from both nations reaching three new agreements on satellite missions, space monitoring and microsatellite technologies. The agreements were made public during the Paris International Space Summit.
Governments, businesses, space agencies and scientists are going to be present at the inaugural summit, which is scheduled for 9th and 10th September. 51 announcements worth over 20 billion euros in contracts, investments and other commitments have been made during the significant conference.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the summit virtually. He mentioned, “India’s approach is rooted in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ that is, one Earth, one family, one future. This spirit must now travel beyond Earth. We support a safe, secure, peaceful and sustainable space domain, anchored in international law, dialogue and multilateral cooperation. Scientific data must serve the common good with openness and integrity. India’s space journey reflects this philosophy. ISRO, which stands at the heart of this journey, has earned global admiration for its excellence and cost-effective missions.”
“Its capabilities serve farmers and fishermen, weather forecasting, disaster management and navigation. More than 430 satellites from 34 countries have travelled to space aboard Indian rockets. ISRO’s technologies and partnerships serve not only India, but the wider world. Behind this global trust is the dedication and hard work of generations of Indian scientists, engineers and technicians. Working day and night, they have built ISRO’s global reputation, mission by mission, success by success, and given India a place of pride among space-faring nations,” he further conveyed.
VIDEO | Addressing the International Space Summit in Paris via video conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "India's approach is rooted in 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', that is, one Earth, one family, one future. This spirit must now travel beyond Earth. We support a safe,… pic.twitter.com/chUJu9c6TO
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 10, 2026
PM Modi revealed intentions to build an indigenous space station by 2035 and send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040 as part of the ambitious future goals for the country’s agenda. He insisted that these long-term initiatives are motivated by a single, overarching goal, adding, “In all these efforts, our guiding principle has been clear: their benefits must reach all humanity.”
What are the significant deals between India and France
The accords strengthen a space alliance that has grown over more than 50 years, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and France’s space agency CNES at its core. They also show how private businesses are becoming progressively involved in the space connection shared by New Delhi and Paris.
Dhruva Space, an Indian space enterprise, and Safran Space, a French corporation, signed contracts totalling more than five million euros. The objective is to supply ground stations, optical payloads, inertial navigation units and communication systems for India’s proposed SBS-III space-surveillance network.
The release stated that the constellation plans to launch 52 satellites between 2027 and 2030. The alliance increases collaboration between French industry and India’s New Space sector and promotes the latter’s sovereign space capabilities. Safran’s longstanding involvement in India’s space program, which includes its participation in the Chandrayaan-III moon mission and the growth of its industrial footprint in the nation, is further strengthened by the agreement.
Furthermore, TakeMeToSpace, which is an Indian business known as the nation’s first orbital data centre designer and French launch services operator RIDE! agreed to launch two satellites. The agreement builds on years of partnership between the French entity and Indian space companies, such as the latest integration, launch, and return of a European atmospheric re-entry capsule aboard India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.
On the other hand, the Indian company AXISCADES and the Chinese space company U-Space inked a commercial joint venture arrangement. The aim is to look into India’s microsatellite industry and satisfy rising institutional and commercial demand. French space technology and India’s industrial integration capabilities will be incorporated in this deal, which will follow a predetermined route under India’s “Make in India” program.
MEA outlines space cooperation between the two countries
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that over time, India and France have expanded their space collaboration to include planetary exploration, human spaceflight, Earth observation, space geodesy and next-generation launch vehicle technology. A Strategic Space Dialogue spanning defence and civil space cooperation has also been established between the two nations.
The first conference took place in Paris in June 2023, while the second transpired in New Delhi in March 2024. Future launch vehicle technologies, the joint TRISHNA Earth-observation mission, marine domain awareness and space situational awareness are among the agreements between ISRO and CNES.
Launch-service providers from France and India have also worked together for a number of years. French satellites have been commercially launched by India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), and Indian geostationary satellites were similarly carried out by France’s Arianespace. The two sides also supported engagement in the development of civil satellites and human spaceflight programs during French President Emmanuel Macron’s February visit to India.
India and France have expanded their long-standing space association into private-sector technology, manufacturing and commercial space activities with the latest development.
Through high-level discussions, announcements and workshops, this space summit seeks to advance honest and open discourse as well as perspectives and opportunities for work and action. Statements from states, international organisations and private stakeholders underline the need for a worldwide effort to strategically reflect on the future of space.
The growing popularity of low orbits, structuring the space economy, major scientific fields, moon exploration and skill development are a few of the areas which could benefit from this pivotal gathering.
