Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday interacted with CEOs and founders of Indian space startups, highlighting the growing role of private companies in strengthening the country’s space sector.

During the interaction, PM Modi praised entrepreneurs for entering a sector that traditionally had a strong government presence and said their participation reflected confidence in India’s emerging space ecosystem.

“You have shown courage in a new sector,” Modi said while addressing the founders and CEOs. He also highlighted India’s cost competitiveness, saying the country has an advantage in developing and delivering space-related technologies and services at comparatively lower costs.

The interaction comes as India seeks to expand private participation in space activities and build a stronger ecosystem of startups, researchers and established companies. The government has been encouraging private players to work across areas including satellite manufacturing, launch services, space-based applications and related technologies.

India’s space sector has seen increasing participation from startups in recent years, with several private companies developing rockets, satellites and other space technologies. The growing ecosystem is also expected to support the country’s ambitions in the global commercial space market.

PM Modi’s interaction with space entrepreneurs focused on the opportunities emerging in the sector and the role of innovation in taking India’s space capabilities to a larger global market. The government has repeatedly stressed the importance of private investment and entrepreneurship in expanding the space economy.

The Prime Minister also underlined the confidence of young entrepreneurs who are taking up challenges in advanced technology sectors. His remarks come at a time when India is positioning itself as a competitive destination for space-related manufacturing, technology development and commercial services.

The government has been working to create an environment where startups can contribute alongside organisations such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Policy changes in recent years have opened more areas of the space sector to private participation.

India’s relatively lower launch and development costs have also been cited as one of its key advantages in the international space market. The country has already established a reputation for executing complex space missions at comparatively modest costs.

The Prime Minister’s interaction with startup founders is therefore significant as India looks to move beyond being primarily a government-led space programme and build a broader commercial space ecosystem involving private companies.