Dependency to Diplomacy

Space Diplomacy: ISRO’s Expanding International Collaborations

“Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan,” the inspiring slogan given by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, highlights the strength of India’s soldiers, farmers, and scientists. This powerful message reflects India’s collective vision of progress driven by courage, hard work, and innovation. The spirit of Jai Vigyan shines brightly in the achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which has transformed India from a technology-dependent nation into a global leader in space science. From launching its first satellite with foreign assistance to now offering launch services to countries worldwide, ISRO represents self-reliant scientific excellence and the pride of NAMO India.

India’s space journey is truly a story of transformation from dependency to diplomacy. In its early decades, ISRO relied on foreign countries such as the Russia Soviet Union, France, and the United States for launch vehicles, satellite components, and training. Over time, through innovation, dedication, and a strong belief in self-reliance, India developed advanced rockets, navigation systems, and deep-space technology. Today, the very nations that once supported India are now collaborating with ISRO and even outsourcing satellite launches. This remarkable shift has turned ISRO from a technology seeker into a global technology provider, using space science as a tool of peaceful diplomacy. Through international missions, affordable launch services, and data sharing, India now promotes shared progress and cooperation in outer space.

 

India’s space journey began in 1975 with the launch of Aryabhata, supported by the Soviet Union. From these modest beginnings, ISRO has grown into a respected global space power. Landmark missions such as Chandrayaan-3, which achieved a soft landing on the Moon, Mangalyaan, which made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars, and Aditya-L1, the Sun-observing mission, show India’s ability to handle complex missions at low cost. These achievements have strengthened India’s soft power and global scientific partnerships. ISRO now works with major agencies like NASA on NISAR, France’s CNES on Megha-Tropiques and SARAL, Russia on Gaganyaan, and Japan’s JAXA on LUPEX. The South Asia Satellite, launched in 2017, further supported neighbours through communication and disaster-management services. Through its commercial arms, Antrix Corporation and New Space India Limited (NSIL), ISRO has launched more than 430 foreign satellites for 36 countries, earning global recognition in the commercial space market. The PSLV, known for low-cost and reliability, is a preferred launch vehicle for many nations, especially smaller and developing ones, combining economic benefit with diplomatic goodwill. India also participates actively in major global space platforms such as UNCOPUOS, the Artemis Accords, the Quad Space partnership with the U.S., Japan, and Australia, and forums like BRICS and G20 that promote joint missions and technology collaboration. Future missions such as Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4, and Exposat, along with the entry of private startups like Skyroot, Agnikul, and Pixxel, are opening fresh avenues for global cooperation and innovation.

ISRO is working on several major international missions, including the NISAR project with NASA, an advanced Earth-observation satellite that uses dual-frequency radar to track land changes, ice-sheet movement and natural disasters. Likewise, ISRO and France’s National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) are jointly developing the TRISHNA satellite for high-resolution thermal imaging of land, coastal and polar regions, supporting climate monitoring and natural-resource assessment. Beyond satellites, ISRO is also collaborating on future human-spaceflight and docking technologies with the European Space Agency (ESA), involving work on rendezvous systems, crew training and simulation programmes. These initiatives show that India is not only strengthening its own space capability but also contributing to global space research, with many countries now seeking collaboration with ISRO as true partners rather than merely assistance providers.

In a significant step, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) via its commercial arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), joined hands with SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, for the launch of India’s heavy communication satellite GSAT‑20 (also called GSAT-N2). Weighing around 4,700 kg, the satellite was too heavy for ISRO’s own launcher, so NSIL contracted SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket to lift it from Cape Canaveral, USA. This marked the first commercial collaboration of its kind for ISRO and underlined India’s growing global ties in space services. The GSAT-20 mission aims to enhance broadband and in-flight connectivity across India, especially reaching remote areas. The successful deal shows India’s readiness to use international launch capability while focusing its own efforts on building stronger indigenous systems in future.

 

Apart from its scientific achievements, ISRO’s commercial ventures are generating significant revenue for the country. The organisation has signed over 250 MoUs with more than 60 nations and agencies, including NASA, CNES, JAXA, Roscosmos and ESA, covering satellite development, Earth observation, navigation, deep-space exploration and scientist training. These agreements help many developing countries build satellites, access climate data and improve disaster-response systems, strengthening India’s reputation as a dependable global partner. ISRO also provides remote-sensing data, communication services and technical consultancy to international clients. Between 2015 and 2024, it launched nearly 400 foreign satellites, earning about USD 439 million—reflecting its strong market presence. Beyond revenue, ISRO has boosted global collaboration and human-resource exchange, with many of its scientists working with international space agencies and research institutions, while India trains researchers from developing nations through UN-CSSTEAP. By sharing knowledge and technology, ISRO supports diplomacy and promotes the peaceful use of space worldwide.

 

The world is evidenced during Operation Sindoor, ISRO demonstrated strategic capability by providing real-time satellite intelligence, secure communication links, and precision navigation to India’s armed forces. Nearly ten ISRO satellites worked continuously to support target identification, strike planning, and post-strike analysis without crossing international borders. The world watched with surprise as Indian scientists showcased advanced space-enabled operational capability, marking a significant shift from purely civilian applications to strategic defence support. This further reinforced ISRO’s image as a dependable global partner across both civilian and defence domains. ISRO has made critical contributions to India’s defence sector by deploying a series of dedicated military and dual-use satellites such as GSAT‑7 for the Navy and GSAT‑7A for the Air Force, which enable secure, real-time communications among ships, aircraft and ground radar units.  Additionally, ISRO’s surveillance satellites, including the RISAT‑2B and Cartosatserie,sprovide high-resolution earth-observation data that assist the armed forces in tracking enemy movements, border surveillance and tactical strike planning.

 

All developed countries are closely watching ISRO’s upcoming projects, as India continues to emerge as a strong and reliable player in the global space arena. ISRO is preparing an ambitious series of seven missions by March 2026, including the first uncrewed Gaganyaan (G1) flight, which will test key systems for India’s future human-spaceflight programme, with major hardware already at Sriharikota for integration. Following the successful LVM3-M05 launch that placed India’s heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, into orbit, another LVM3 mission will launch a commercial satellite, along with three PSLV missions, including one for NSIL. ISRO is also working on a PSLV-N1 technology-development mission and a GSLV-F17 launch to enhance propulsion, reusable systems, and satellite capability. These seven missions support the Prime Minister’s vision of achieving 50 rocket launches in five years, further strengthening ISRO’s global standing in commercial space services, advanced technology development, and human-spaceflight readiness.

 

Although India’s space diplomacy is rapidly expanding, challenges remain, especially technology-sharing restrictions and growing competition from private global companies like SpaceX. Still, India’s emphasis on peaceful use of space, cost-effective innovation, and cooperative engagement continues to win worldwide trust. ISRO’s growth from a modest programme into a global space leader proves how science strengthens diplomacy by carrying messages of peace, friendship, and shared progress to the world. The cultural roots of India also reflect in ISRO’s traditions: before major launches, scientists visit the Ammavaru Temple at Sriharikota for blessings — a practice continued since the 1970s. This harmony of devotion and discipline represents India’s unique blend of spirituality and science. Inspired by Vajpayee’s words — “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan” ISRO stands today as a proud symbol of national strength and global partnership, shaping a brighter and more cooperative future for humanity.