India and France on Friday, 4 September agreed to significantly deepen bilateral space cooperation, covering human spaceflight, advanced space technologies, and stronger engagement between their respective space agencies and industries. The agreement emerged from a virtual meeting between Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Space Dr Jitendra Singh and his French counterpart Prof Philippe Baptiste, held ahead of two major upcoming space events.

Key Developments

The talks were timed ahead of the International Space Summit scheduled for 9-10 September in Paris, and the Bengaluru Space Expo set for 7-9 September. Both sides discussed their respective participation in these events, as well as the forthcoming visit of Prof Baptiste to India later in the month, according to an official statement issued after the meeting.

A significant highlight was the invitation extended to the Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space to deliver the opening keynote at the Paris Summit, focused on India's future in human spaceflight in Low Earth Orbit. Dr Singh also indicated that Indian delegates could make additional presentations on space design and manufacturing technologies, space-based connectivity, and exploration beyond the International Space Station (ISS).

What Both Sides Said

Dr Jitendra Singh said India looks forward to participating in the International Space Summit and to further strengthening its longstanding space partnership with France. He described the Summit's focus on space science, technology and applications, the space economy, and secure space as 'an important platform for international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the space sector.'

Prof Baptiste expressed France's desire to 'further strengthen and accelerate' existing India-France space cooperation. He also thanked India for a proposed video message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Summit, and welcomed continued consultations on the declarations proposed for adoption at the event.

India's Position on Space Governance

India welcomed the Summit's proposed deliverables on the sustainable use of outer space, accessibility, openness and integrity of space-based scientific data, and support for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)'s regulatory framework for frequency management. Dr Singh conveyed India's readiness to engage with the French side during the finalisation of these initiatives — signalling active Indian participation in shaping global space governance norms.

Nearly Six Decades of Space Partnership

India and France share a close space partnership spanning nearly six decades. Cooperation between ISRO and France's CNES has included joint satellite missions such as Megha-Tropiques and SARAL, with both sides also pursuing further collaboration in Earth observation and climate-related applications.

The two sides also discussed opportunities for enhanced interaction between their space industries and emerging space ecosystems at the Bengaluru Space Expo. Prof Baptiste is scheduled to visit India from 28-30 September, with plans to tour ISRO facilities in Bengaluru and meet Dr Singh in person. Both teams are expected to continue consultations on additional cooperation areas and presentations proposed for the Paris Summit.