India leads global space transformation, eyes private sector growth: Nidhi Khare
Synopsis
At the 35th ISO TC 20/SC 14 meeting in New Delhi, senior Indian officials declared India a rising global space hub, pointing to IN-SPACe reforms and surging private sector activity. With BIS aligning Indian standards to international frameworks, India is positioning itself not just as a space-faring nation but as a standard-setter in the global space economy.
Key Takeaways
Nidhi Khare , Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs , addressed the 35th ISO TC 20/SC 14 meeting on 8 May 2025 in New Delhi .
India's IN-SPACe reforms have opened the space sector to startups and established private players.
BIS Director General Sanjay Garg said BIS is aligning Indian standards with international frameworks to boost global competitiveness.
IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka highlighted transformative growth driven by policy reforms and private sector participation.
The meeting brought together delegates from multiple countries, including national standards bodies, space agencies, and academia.
Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, on 8 May 2025 declared that India is at the forefront of global space transformation, steadily emerging as a major hub for innovation and private sector participation in the space industry. Her remarks came at the opening plenary of the 35th ISO TC 20/SC 14 meeting on 'Space Systems and Operations' held in New Delhi, hosted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
India's Space Ambitions on the Global Stage
Addressing delegates from national standards bodies, international space agencies, industry, and academia, Khare emphasised the critical role of international collaboration in shaping global standards for the space ecosystem.
Point of View
New Delhi is betting that norm-setting power will translate into commercial advantage for its growing private space sector. The real test, however, is whether IN-SPACe's policy momentum translates into globally competitive Indian space companies, not just a seat at the standards table.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Nidhi Khare say about India's role in global space transformation?
Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, said India stands at the forefront of global space transformation and is emerging as a major hub for innovation and private sector participation. She made these remarks at the 35th ISO TC 20/SC 14 meeting in New Delhi on 8 May 2025.
What is IN-SPACe and why does it matter for India's space sector?
IN-SPACe, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre, is a government body established to facilitate and regulate private sector participation in India's space industry. Its policy reforms have created opportunities for both startups and established companies to expand in the rapidly growing sector.
What is the significance of BIS hosting the ISO TC 20/SC 14 meeting in India?
The Bureau of Indian Standards hosting the 35th ISO TC 20/SC 14 meeting allows Indian experts to directly participate in global space standardisation processes. BIS Director General Sanjay Garg said this will strengthen domestic capabilities and help Indian private companies compete globally.
What did IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka say at the meeting?
IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka said India's space ecosystem is witnessing transformative growth driven by policy reforms and increasing private sector participation. He stressed the importance of robust global standards in supporting innovation and helping India integrate into the global space economy.
Why are international standards important for India's space industry?
International standards ensure that space activities remain safe, sustainable, and inclusive, according to Nidhi Khare. Aligning Indian standards with global frameworks also helps Indian companies compete internationally and builds industry confidence in the sector.
