In a landmark move to accelerate innovation and self-reliance, the Indian government has expanded access for private players in the strategic space and defence sectors. The initiative is aligned with the broader national visions of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047, aimed at transforming India into a technologically advanced and economically robust nation.
The Department of Space, through Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), has now granted private industries access to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s cutting-edge infrastructure and technological assets. This decision builds upon the space sector reforms launched in 2020, which opened the door to commercial and academic collaborations. The objective is to enhance India’s share in the global space economy by enabling homegrown enterprises to innovate, manufacture, and launch space technologies with government support.
Minister of State for Space Dr. Jitendra Singh has previously highlighted the remarkable growth in private participation in the space sector, noting that multiple start-ups and companies have begun contributing to satellite development, launch services, and data analytics. With ISRO’s facilities now more accessible, the Indian space ecosystem is expected to see a surge in indigenous capabilities and export potential.
Simultaneously, the defence sector has undergone a significant transformation. As of 2025, nearly 92% of defence procurement contracts—worth ₹1.68 lakh crore—have been awarded to Indian firms. The capital procurement budget for domestic suppliers has increased from 40% in 2020 to 75% in 2023–24, totaling ₹99,223 crore. A quarter of this amount is dedicated to the private sector, reflecting the government’s strategy to empower non-governmental players in defence manufacturing and R&D.
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), a government-backed platform launched in 2018, continues to be a key catalyst for bringing startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators into the fold. This has led to the development of indigenous drones, communication systems, and advanced defence platforms, further reducing India’s reliance on imports.
These strategic policy shifts come during the ongoing “11 Years of Yuva Shakti” campaign, celebrating over a decade of youth-led progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. PM Modi has consistently emphasized the role of India’s youth in propelling the nation toward becoming a global innovation powerhouse. By focusing on empowering young entrepreneurs through opportunities in high-impact sectors like space and defence, the government aims to foster long-term growth, employment, and technological leadership.
Together, these reforms not only bolster India’s national security and space exploration efforts but also position the private sector as a key stakeholder in the nation’s march towards self-reliance and technological sovereignty.
