Modi meets 20 space startups

On August 21, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with CEOs and founders of 20 Indian space startups at Seva Teerth in New Delhi. The meeting aimed to bolster India's private space sector and position the country as a global hub for space technology. Modi urged startups to expand applications of space technologies across sectors like agriculture and environmental protection, and to collaborate with institutions such as agricultural universities and Atal Innovation Mission. The startups, including Skyroot Aerospace, AgniKul Cosmos, Pixxel, and others, highlighted rapid progress and indigenous capability development. Modi noted that many countries lack resources or intent to invest in space, presenting an opportunity for India. The government has registered around 440 space technology startups, and private companies plan over eight commercial rocket launches in the next two years.