Global diplomatic and industry representatives on Monday, 15 June 2026 declared space technology one of India's foremost strengths, as policymakers and executives from multiple countries converged on New Delhi for the India Space Congress (ISC) 2026. The three-day event, running from 15 to 17 June, underscored India's rising stature in the global space economy.

Diplomatic Community Voices

Dr Mumin Chen, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in India, praised India's achievements in the space domain while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the congress. 'Space technology is one of the strengths of India,' Chen said, adding that the conference offered outsiders 'a rare opportunity to really see what India has achieved in India's potential and India's interest in collaborating with other countries.'

Chen's remarks reflect a broader recognition within the international diplomatic community that India's space capabilities — anchored by milestones such as the Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan programmes — have elevated the country's profile as a partner of choice in advanced technologies.

Thailand Highlights Long-Standing India Ties

Phee Choosri, Deputy Executive Director of Thailand's Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), emphasised the enduring bilateral relationship between India and Thailand in the space and geophysical sectors. 'We have learned that we have long relationship with India for a long time,' Choosri said, noting that the congress presented a concrete opportunity to deepen cooperation.

GISTDA's participation signals growing Southeast Asian interest in India's space ecosystem, particularly as regional nations seek partners for satellite data, geospatial applications, and launch services.

About the India Space Congress 2026

The India Space Congress (ISC) is organised by the Space Industry Association–India (SIA-India) and serves as a premier annual platform bringing together government leaders, space agencies, industry executives, startups, investors, researchers, and academia. The 2026 edition drew participants from several countries, reflecting the internationalisation of India's space sector following the liberalisation of the industry under the Indian Space Policy 2023.

Why This Matters

India's space sector has undergone a structural transformation in recent years, with private players and foreign collaborators increasingly entering a domain once dominated exclusively by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The diplomatic interest on display at ISC 2026 suggests that international stakeholders view India not merely as a low-cost launch provider but as a full-spectrum technology partner. This comes amid intensifying global competition in commercial space, with the United States, China, and the European Union all vying for strategic alliances in the sector.

With the ISC 2026 continuing through 17 June, further announcements on bilateral space cooperation agreements and investment commitments are expected before the congress concludes.