India, France to Deepen Space Cooperation
Jitendra Singh and Philippe Baptiste discuss human spaceflight, advanced technologies and industry cooperation
- India to participate in International Space Summit in Paris
- ISRO Chairman invited to deliver keynote on future human spaceflight in Low Earth Orbit
- France to participate in Bengaluru Space Expo from September 7–9
- French Minister Philippe Baptiste to visit ISRO facilities in Bengaluru later this month
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 4th Sept: Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, held a virtual bilateral meeting with France’s Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space, Prof. Philippe Baptiste, with both sides agreeing to further strengthen cooperation in space.
The discussions focused on human spaceflight, advanced space technologies, space agencies and industry cooperation ahead of the International Space Summit in Paris on September 9–10 and the Bengaluru Space Expo scheduled for September 7–9, 2026.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said India looks forward to participating in the Paris Summit and strengthening its longstanding partnership with France in the space sector. He highlighted the Summit’s focus on space science, technology and applications, the space economy and secure space.
India also welcomed proposed Summit deliverables concerning the sustainable use of outer space, accessibility, openness and integrity of space-based scientific data, and support for the International Telecommunication Union’s regulatory framework for frequency management.
A key focus of the meeting was India’s participation in the Paris Summit. The Chairman of ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space has been invited to deliver the opening keynote on India’s future human spaceflight in Low Earth Orbit.
The Indian delegation may also make presentations on areas including space design and manufacturing technologies, connectivity from space and exploration beyond the International Space Station, subject to French consideration.
Prof. Philippe Baptiste expressed France’s interest in further strengthening and accelerating India-France space cooperation. He also welcomed continued consultations on the declarations proposed for adoption at the Paris Summit.
The two sides discussed France’s participation in the Bengaluru Space Expo and opportunities to increase interaction between their space agencies, industries and emerging private space ecosystems.
Baptiste is scheduled to visit India from September 28–30, 2026, with plans to visit ISRO facilities in Bengaluru and meet Dr. Jitendra Singh. Both sides agreed that their teams would continue consultations on areas of cooperation and proposed presentations for the Paris Summit.
India and France have maintained space cooperation for nearly six decades. ISRO and France’s CNES have collaborated on satellite missions including Megha-Tropiques and SARAL, while further cooperation is being pursued in Earth observation and climate-related applications.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation through innovation, research, human spaceflight, technology development and greater participation of the private space sector.
