Dr Jitendra Singh Calls for ‘BRICS Space Economy’
Union Minister urges BRICS nations to drive innovation, investment and sustainable growth through space cooperation
- Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed a “BRICS Space Economy” at the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies meeting in Bengaluru.
- He called for greater collaboration in innovation, investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
- Discussions focused on space sustainability, satellite cooperation, disaster management and the proposed BRICS Space Council.
- The Minister stressed that BRICS nations should move from coordination to co-development and co-innovation.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th June: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Wednesday proposed the concept of a “BRICS Space Economy” and called for collective action among member nations to unlock new opportunities in innovation, investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development through space cooperation.
Addressing the valedictory session of the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting in Bengaluru, the Minister said BRICS countries possess the scientific expertise, technological strengths and industrial capacity needed to emerge as a major force in the rapidly expanding global space economy.
“The future of the space economy will not be shaped by nations working in isolation. It will be shaped by partnerships, shared innovation and collective ambition. BRICS countries have the potential to become one of the strongest pillars of this emerging global space ecosystem,” Dr. Singh said.
Hosted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, the two-day meeting brought together heads of space agencies and senior officials from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
During the event, Dr. Singh released the Indian Space Industry Brochure, exchanged mementoes with participating delegates and interacted with representatives of India’s growing NewSpace sector, showcasing the capabilities of Indian startups and private space enterprises.
The meeting reviewed progress in BRICS space cooperation and discussed key issues including space sustainability, debris-free missions, strengthening the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC), expanding participation of new BRICS members and advancing discussions on the proposed BRICS Space Council.
The Minister said space technology has become a powerful driver of economic transformation and societal development, supporting sectors such as communications, navigation, disaster management, agriculture, healthcare, education and environmental monitoring.
Highlighting global challenges including climate change, food and water security, natural disasters and sustainable urbanisation, Dr. Singh said these issues increasingly require collective solutions enabled by advanced space technologies.
He noted that the BRICS grouping represents a significant share of global population, economic output and scientific capabilities, creating immense opportunities for technology transfer, industrial partnerships and investment-led growth.
Dr. Singh said the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation has already demonstrated the value of collaborative space applications through satellite data sharing among member nations. He expressed confidence that institutional mechanisms such as the proposed BRICS Space Council would provide greater momentum and continuity to future cooperation.
The Minister highlighted India’s space achievements, including Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1 and the ongoing Gaganyaan mission, stating that these missions have expanded scientific frontiers while opening new avenues for international collaboration.
Emphasising the need for responsible and sustainable space operations, he called for greater international cooperation, transparency and capacity building to address challenges arising from increasing space traffic and orbital debris.
“BRICS nations must move beyond consultation and work towards co-development, co-innovation and co-creation. By bringing together our scientists, engineers, industries, startups and young innovators, we can develop solutions for global challenges, create new economic opportunities and build a stronger framework for scientific advancement and shared prosperity,” he said.
Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with BRICS partners to ensure that space remains a powerful force for development, resilience, innovation, sustainability and international cooperation.
