India’s Private Space Investment Crosses USD 618 Million
Dr. Jitendra Singh tells Rajya Sabha 105 private entities authorised as IN-SPACe strengthens security framework
- Private investment in India’s space sector has crossed USD 618.5 million.
- IN-SPACe has authorised 105 non-government entities for space activities.
- Government is preparing dedicated safety and security guidelines for the sector.
- Over 400 space startups are now active following the 2020 space reforms.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd July: India’s private space sector has attracted over USD 618.5 million in investment, with 105 non-government entities (NGEs) receiving authorisation to undertake space activities, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
Replying to an unstarred question in the Upper House, the Minister said the country’s space ecosystem has witnessed unprecedented growth following the landmark space sector reforms, while the government continues to strengthen safeguards for national security alongside increased private participation.
Dr. Singh said USD 187 million in private investment was reported during 2026, and cumulative investment has grown nearly six-fold from USD 100.5 million in 2021-22 to USD 618.5 million as of March 31, 2026, reflecting rising confidence among domestic and global investors.
He informed the House that 105 authorisations had been granted to private entities by July 14, 2026, with every proposal evaluated under IN-SPACe’s Norms, Guidelines and Procedures (NGP) to ensure compliance with strategic, security and national interest requirements before approval.
The Minister said IN-SPACe is also preparing dedicated Safety and Security Guidelines for space activities in consultation with stakeholders to further strengthen India’s regulatory framework as private participation expands.
Highlighting government initiatives to promote the sector, Dr. Singh said the Centre has implemented the India Space Policy 2023, liberalised Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms, simplified authorisation procedures, provided concessional access to ISRO facilities and launched multiple financial support mechanisms.
These include a ₹1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund, a ₹500 crore Technology Adoption Fund, the IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme, technology transfer from ISRO, incubation support, affordable testing infrastructure and skill development programmes.
The Minister also informed Parliament that 17 space startups have so far received authorisation from IN-SPACe to undertake space activities.
Citing an impact assessment by IN-SPACe, Dr. Singh said the number of active space startups in India has grown from just one in 2014 to more than 400 today. Indian private companies have successfully demonstrated launch and orbital capabilities, placed over 30 satellites into orbit and flown nearly 45 payloads through platforms such as the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM).
The assessment also highlighted India’s expanding global presence in the space economy, with Indian companies attracting international investment, expanding overseas operations and collaborating with global partners. IN-SPACe has established working relationships with more than 45 countries and signed cooperation agreements with several foreign space agencies.
Dr. Singh further said the Earth Observation Public-Private Partnership (EO-PPP) has brought together leading Indian companies to develop the country’s first privately owned Earth observation satellite constellation, backed by a private investment commitment of around ₹1,200 crore.
