Key Points
- India and France expand space cooperation to include human spaceflight and startups
- More than 400 Indian space startups now active in rocket and satellite building
- TRISHNA joint satellite and Gaganyaan support mark deepening partnership
India and France have agreed to expand their six-decade space partnership into human spaceflight, startup collaboration and emerging space applications, Union minister Jitendra Singh said on Monday (28 September).
Speaking after meeting Philippe Baptiste, French minister for higher education, research and space, in New Delhi, Singh said the two countries would work to build a broader ecosystem connecting governments, research institutions, industries and start-ups in the space sector.
“The long-standing relationship between the two countries now provides an opportunity to build a larger ecosystem by bringing together governments, research institutions, industries and startups, including through deeper engagement in the rapidly expanding space sector,” said Singh.
The meeting covered priorities including the TRISHNA joint satellite mission, support for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, microgravity research and parabolic flights, a type of aircraft manoeuvre that creates brief periods of weightlessness for scientific experiments.
Space startup growth
Singh said India’s space sector reforms had created new possibilities for bilateral cooperation beyond traditional government agencies. More than 400 Indian space startups are now working on rocket building, satellite manufacturing and space applications, he said.
“The next phase of India-France cooperation can bring together government institutions, industries and startups on both sides to create a larger ecosystem and wider resource pool,” Singh said.
The minister shared the progress on TRISHNA, a joint thermal infrared imaging satellite being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the French space agency Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES).
He also acknowledged French support for Gaganyaan, including supply of consumables and training of flight surgeons.
Indian and French teams have begun discussions on microgravity research and parabolic flights in connection with human spaceflight, Singh added.
Innovation Year 2026
The India-France Year of Innovation 2026, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the French president in February, provides a platform to advance cooperation in innovation and emerging technologies, Singh said.
A joint event on the water cycle and TRISHNA mission is scheduled in Bengaluru on 11 October. ISRO will contribute outreach material and senior officials will speak on the satellite and its applications.
Singh placed the space partnership within the wider context of India-France scientific cooperation, which spans biotechnology, digital sciences, ocean sciences and the Blue Economy. He referred to India’s Deep Ocean Mission, which aims to explore the scientific and resource potential of deep oceans, as an area for potential collaboration.
The engagement continues through institutions including the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA), a bilateral body that funds joint research projects, and Indo-French joint centres across multiple science domains.
French response
Baptiste said France shared India’s vision for advancing the partnership in science, technology and space. He described TRISHNA as a strong example of what the two countries could achieve together.
“We welcome greater cooperation in human spaceflight, astronaut health, microgravity research and parabolic flights,” Baptiste said. He spoke positively about connecting research institutions and startups from both countries to build a stronger innovation ecosystem.
The meeting brought together senior officials from both countries. Singh was accompanied by secretaries from the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences and Department of Biotechnology, along with representatives from the Department of Space and Ministry of External Affairs.
India-France space cooperation dates to the 1960s, when the two countries collaborated on sounding rocket experiments. The partnership has since expanded to include joint satellites Megha-Tropiques and SARAL, cooperation in launch vehicle engine development and support for India’s human spaceflight ambitions.
Your Questions, Answered
What areas will India-France space cooperation now cover?
The partnership will expand to include human spaceflight, start-up collaboration, microgravity research, parabolic flights and emerging space applications, alongside existing satellite and launch vehicle cooperation.
How many Indian space start-ups are currently active?
More than 400 Indian space start-ups are now working in areas including rocket building, satellite manufacturing and space applications, according to Jitendra Singh.
What is TRISHNA and when will it launch?
TRISHNA is a joint thermal infrared imaging satellite being developed by ISRO and CNES. The satellite is progressing well, with a joint event on its applications scheduled in Bengaluru on 11 October 2026.
How is France supporting India's Gaganyaan programme?
France is providing support including supply of consumables and training of flight surgeons for India's human spaceflight programme. Teams are also discussing microgravity research collaboration.
