Vaishnavi Prakash
New Delhi [India], May 9: India prominently featured at the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025, underscoring its emergence as a reliable space power and esteemed international partner. Held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the summit signifies an important step in India’s expanding influence in worldwide space exploration.
The International Astronautical Federation (IAF), in partnership with ISRO and the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), hosted a three-day conference that welcomed participants from over 30 nations, including hundreds of delegates and 10 astronauts. This gathering stands out as one of the most significant events in space diplomacy this year.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who inaugurated the summit and its extensive space exhibition area, delivered a compelling keynote address emphasising India’s dual vision: “A for Bharat, B for the World.” He reaffirmed that India’s space initiatives are not solely aimed at national development but also align with the ethos of ‘Vishwa Bandhu Bharat’, a compassionate ally to the global community in the realm of space advancement.
“India is not here to conquer the world,” he said, “but to partner. We are not Big Brother. We are equal brothers working for the good of the planet.”
Innovation Boom and Startup Rise
India’s public-private partnerships and welcoming space policy really stood out. Dr. Singh shared some exciting news: over 190 space startups have blossomed in just two years, thanks to supportive policy changes and guidance from ISRO. You can see these innovative startups in action through 22 interactive exhibits at the conference, showcasing India’s ambitious dreams in launch systems, satellite technology, and deep space exploration.
The Chairman of ISRO, V. Narayanan, emphasised interplanetary exploration as a primary objective and highlighted the democratization of space technology for the benefit of all segments of society.
GLEX 2025 | Global Participation and Astronaut Involvement
The event witnessed global leaders such as Josef Aschbacher (ESA), Wu Weiren (China), Kazuyoshi Kawasaki (Japan), Salem Al Marri (UAE), and Jill Smyth (USA), further solidifying India’s position as a convening power in space policy.
One of the most compelling aspects of the initiative was the astronaut outreach program, which featured renowned figures such as Rakesh Sharma, Angad Pratap, Hazzaa AlMansoori (UAE), and Michael López-Alegría (USA/Spain).
They engaged with students and emerging professionals, fostering spontaneous public interest and cultivating the potential for future leaders in the field of space exploration.
Future Roadmap: Gaganyaan and Beyond
India’s forthcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission provided the context for most discussions, positioning India as an emerging human spaceflight nation. Additionally, plans for prospective lunar and planetary exploration have been articulated, signifying India’s progression from being a passive participant to an active global facilitator in the realm of space operations.
We have already reached the third and final day of GLEX 2025! This morning is starting with a Highlight Lecture by B.N. Suresh @isro, titled Space Exploration to Benefit Humanity on Earth
#GLEX2025 pic.twitter.com/6Ww6UwlwON
— IAF (@iafastro) May 9, 2025
The conference’s title theme, “Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance”, beautifully captured the overwhelming sense of hope and camaraderie that defines this exciting new chapter.
With GLEX 2025, India is strengthening its position in the science community and sending a powerful diplomatic message: space is a realm for peace, progress, and collaboration.
