What happened (in the Rajya Sabha reply)

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, informed the Rajya Sabha that India’s private space sector has gained momentum after landmark reforms. The Government reported cumulative private investment reaching USD 618.5 million by 31 March 2026 and issuance of 105 authorisations to non-government entities as of 14 July 2026. The minister also reported private investment of USD 187 million during 2026 and described a strengthening regulatory framework to safeguard strategic and national security interests while promoting private participation.

Background and earlier position: reforms and the rise in private activity

Dr. Jitendra Singh linked current growth to IN-SPACe’s impact assessment of the 2020 space sector reforms. The assessment describes a shift over time, with active space startups increasing from one in 2014 to over 400 in the assessment narrative. The assessment also highlights demonstrations by Indian private companies, including launch and orbital capabilities, placing more than 30 satellites into orbit, and flying nearly 45 payloads through platforms such as the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), indicating technological depth and commercial maturity of the private space sector.

What changed now: NGP-based authorisation and Safety & Security Guidelines

The Government’s current safeguards are anchored in IN-SPACe’s application evaluation under its Norms, Guidelines and Procedures (NGP). Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that authorisation is granted only after considering strategic, security, and national interests. Alongside the authorisation process, IN-SPACe is preparing dedicated Safety and Security Guidelines for space activities in India, in consultation with stakeholders, to further strengthen India’s regulatory architecture as private participation expands.

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