New Delhi: India reaffirmed its rising stature as a global space power at the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2025), inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who holds multiple portfolios including Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and the Department of Space.
With the theme “Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance,” the three-day summit brought together space leaders, astronauts, and scientists from over 35 countries, strengthening India’s place at the forefront of global space diplomacy and innovation.
Jointly organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and Astronautical Society of India (ASI), GLEX 2025 features over 240 technical presentations across 10 parallel sessions, covering 15 key space exploration themes. A vibrant space exhibition with 22 stalls was also inaugurated, showcasing the work of Indian startups, international agencies, and ISRO’s latest milestones.
Addressing a special session, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized India’s transformation from a passive participant to a proactive global partner in space. “India is now collaborating as an equal with leading space-faring nations,” he said, citing the country’s journey from modest beginnings to becoming a source of inspiration for the developing world.
He described GLEX 2025 as advancing India’s twin vision of “A for Bharat” and “B for the World.” He highlighted India’s commitment to harnessing space applications for national development while promoting Vishwa Bandhu Bharat, India’s role as a trusted global collaborator. “We’re not here to act as a Big Brother, but as equal brothers,” he remarked.
Dr. Singh also spotlighted the government’s efforts to democratize the space sector, noting the emergence of over 190 space startups in just two years following the opening up of the sector to private players. “This innovation ecosystem is key to India’s ambitions in deep space exploration, commercial launches, and satellite services,” he said.
Prominent international figures at the conference included Josef Aschbacher (ESA), Kazuyoshi Kawasaki (Japan), Jill Smyth (USA), Wu Weiren (China), and Salem Al Marri (UAE), underscoring the truly global nature of the summit. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan reaffirmed India’s commitment to interplanetary missions and using space technology for societal progress.
In a major outreach initiative, the conference also launched a Global Astronaut Interaction Programme, featuring nearly ten astronauts from around the world. Notable participants included Hazzaa AlMansoori (UAE), Alper Gezeravci (Türkiye), Michael López-Alegría (USA/Spain), and Indian astronauts Rakesh Sharma and Angad Pratap, who inspired students and young professionals with stories of space exploration.
