‘Space economy projected to increase fivefold in the next decade’
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 21: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and several other departments, addressed the significant issue of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus. He stated that their situation is particularly tragic, having been made homeless in their own nation almost overnight, emphasizing that Kashmir is incomplete without them.
In an exclusive interview with ‘Sansad’ TV, Dr. Singh discussed a variety of topics, from the situation in Jammu & Kashmir to groundbreaking reforms in the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), as well as topics such as governance changes, biopharmaceutical advancements, and climate initiatives.
The Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for leading the Space reforms that have opened up the sector to private investment, enabling rapid development. He projected the Space economy to grow from $8 billion to an astonishing $44 billion over the next ten years.
He highlighted key upcoming projects such as the indigenous Gaganyaan Mission, the planned Chandrayaan-4 in 2027, Shukrayaan in 2028, and the Indian Space Station by 2030, which illustrate India’s ambitious plans for the future.
During the exclusive program on Sansad TV, Dr. Singh and Vijay Tankha, a Member of Rajya Sabha, engaged in a comprehensive dialogue.
He asserted that J&K and its residents, including the Kashmiri Pandits, are pivotal to Prime Minister Modi’s agenda. He pointed out reduced socio-economic barriers and the enhancement of connectivity, such as expanded train networks and express highways.
Revisiting the history of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, he underscored the distinctive nature of their plight, noting that the BJP was the first political party to address this delicate matter, with leaders like Murli Manohar Joshi and L.K. Advani taking a stand for their cause.
Acknowledging Prime Minister Modi’s unwavering commitment, reflected in his more than 35 visits to J&K, Dr. Singh cited various welfare initiatives aimed at providing separate accommodations for Pandits and fostering their integration into Kashmiri society.
Furthermore, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s dramatic advancements in the space sector, attributing these changes to PM Modi’s policies that have facilitated private investment. The current space economy is valued at $8 billion and is on track to reach $44 billion in the coming decade. He noted key milestones including the indigenous Gaganyaan Mission and forthcoming projects like Chandrayaan-4 and Shukrayaan.
He praised the role of startups and foreign direct investment in driving innovation, particularly with projects like SPADEX that enhance docking capabilities, representing significant technological progress. He mentioned the Vyom Mitra robo mission as an important step toward human space exploration.
Dr. Singh asserted that biomanufacturing and biofoundries are key to propelling the Fourth Industrial Revolution. With a bio-economy rich in resources stretching from the Himalayas to the coastline, India is poised to emerge as a leader in global innovation, particularly in recycling, manufacturing, and bio startups. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to fostering collaboration between public and private sectors and encouraging startup participation to sustain growth. Moreover, he noted that India is among the first nations to develop a dedicated BIO-E3 policy.
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