India International Space Conclave 2025 ends with strong pitch for global leadership in space

NEW DELHI. The India International Space Conclave (IISC) 2025 wrapped up on November 19 with a strong push for India to assume a larger role in global space exploration, industry innovation and sustainable space governance. The two-day event, hosted by the Indian Space Association (ISpA), drew more than 1,000 participants, including astronaut designates, senior Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) officials, government representatives and private-sector leaders.

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Speakers across the conclave underlined that as India prepares to send its astronauts into space and expands its presence in the global space economy, the country must combine technological strength with strategic diplomacy – particularly in representing the Global South in emerging space governance frameworks.

EUROPE-INDIA COLLABORATION HIGHLIGHT OF FINAL DAY

A key milestone on the second and concluding day was the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between the European Space Agency (ESA) and ISpA to deepen cooperation, share expertise and build industry-level dialogue. The partnership aims to open new avenues for joint research, commercial projects and capability enhancement.

The day’s inaugural session featured former Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi as chief guest, alongside ISRO astronaut designates Gp Capt PB Nair and Gp Capt Angad Pratap, former ISRO Chairman AS Kiran Kumar and former Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, among others.

LEADERS CALL FOR COMPETENCE, SPEED AND GLOBAL SOUTH REPRESENTATION