India Invites Russian Companies to Invest in Space Sector

Moscow, Aug 28 (PTI) — India has extended an invitation to Russian companies, encouraging them to invest in the country's burgeoning space sector and access its expansive market. This announcement was made by Ambassador Vinay Kumar at a function held at the Indian Embassy on Tuesday, in celebration of India's second National Space Day.

Ambassador Kumar highlighted the Indian government's attractive initiatives aimed at fostering a supportive environment within the space industry. The occasion also commemorated the deployment of the Pragyan Rover on the Moon, achieved through the Chandrayaan-3 mission on August 23, 2023.

Reflecting on the longstanding space collaboration between India and Russia, Kumar recalled India's first satellite, Aryabhata, which was launched via a Soviet rocket in 1975, as well as the historic journey of Rakesh Sharma aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft in 1984. He also noted the ongoing cooperative efforts related to the Gaganyaan human space mission.

The event witnessed participation from officials and experts of Roscosmos, Russia's space organization, which collaborates closely with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Kumar remarked on the relatively recent emergence of the space sector as an industry and drew a connection to India's ancient traditions, where celestial studies were integral during the Vedic period. He emphasized, "Scholars like Aryabhata studied the movement of celestial bodies and their impact on human lives." Indeed, space technology permeates everyday life in India, facilitating services from communication to navigation.

Adding a cultural touch to the event, students from the Embassy-run Kendriya Vidyalaya and members of the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre delivered space-themed performances.