PARIS/NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today addressed the landmark International Space Summit held in Paris, France, via video conference. Thanking French President Emmanuel Macron for extending a gracious invitation and taking a timely initiative, PM Modi expressed delight in participating in the inaugural session of the global gathering. “I am happy to be a part of the first International Space Summit,” remarked the Prime Minister.

Reflecting on humanity’s enduring fascination with the cosmos, the Prime Minister observed that space has inspired human imagination for centuries and now directly shapes everyday life on Earth—from climate and crops to oceans and grassroots communities. “The promise of space is infinite, and our responsibility is collective,” he noted.

Addressing the growing complexity of outer space, PM Modi emphasized that orbits are becoming more crowded, technologies more powerful, and actors more numerous. He stressed that global partnerships must prioritize long-term sustainability.

“Our choices must be clear: cooperation over confrontation, sustainability over short-term gain, and inclusion over exclusion.”

Connecting India’s philosophical worldview to space exploration, the Prime Minister pointed out that the nation’s approach is firmly rooted in the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—One Earth, One Family, One Future. He advocated for this unifying spirit to travel beyond our planet to ensure a secure celestial domain, affirming India’s commitment to a safe, secure, peaceful, and sustainable space domain anchored in international law and multilateral cooperation.

Highlighting the critical role of transparent research and ethical sharing of information, PM Modi noted that scientific data must serve the common good with openness and integrity. Tracing ISRO’s trajectory, he lauded the agency’s achievements in weather forecasting, disaster management, and navigation, which directly benefit farmers and fishermen at the grassroots level.

Detailing India’s collaborative international footprint, PM Modi highlighted the successful deployment of over 430 payloads from 34 countries aboard domestic rockets. He paid tribute to generations of Indian scientists, engineers, and technicians whose dedication has earned ISRO a world-class reputation.

Recalling monumental achievements, the Prime Minister highlighted that Aditya-L1 is currently unlocking the secrets of the Sun, while an Indian astronaut visited the International Space Station last year. He proudly cited Chandrayaan-3, which made India the first nation to land near the lunar south pole.

Looking ahead, PM Modi announced ambitious roadmap targets: establishing an indigenous space station by 2035 and sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040. He maintained that all these efforts are driven by a single guiding principle—ensuring benefits reach all humanity.

PM Modi also praised the rapid expansion of India’s private space sector, highlighting the dynamic synergy where “the energy of enterprise is joining the excellence of ISRO”. Acknowledging France as a trusted partner since the inception of India’s space program at Thumba in the 1960s, he invited global stakeholders to join as co-travellers in India’s next space frontier.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister urged the international community to safeguard the cosmic environment collaboratively. “Let the Space Summit in Paris send a clear message: we will explore together, innovate together and protect space together, for all humanity, and for generations to come,” he asserted.