ISRO astronauts Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla and Gp Capt Prashant B Nair call for innovation, collaboration and long-term vision in India’s space journey
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, 24 April 2026: The Indian Defence Space Symposium (IDS) 2026, organised by the Indian Space Association (ISpA), concluded today, with key defence and industry leaders highlighting how the changing character of warfare is placing space at the centre of national security, and underscoring the urgent need to integrate space capabilities into operational frameworks while accelerating indigenous industry and civil-military collaboration to build resilient, future-ready defence capabilities.
The second day of the forum focused on highlighted India’s progress in building a robust defence space industrial base. Key sessions addressed Mission DefSpace, policy-to-payload execution challenges, assured navigation and PNT systems including NavIC, and the integration of cyber and electronic warfare capabilities into space-led operations. The day will also feature strategic dialogues on investment models, skilling, and infrastructure required to scale indigenous capabilities.
Highlighting the strategic significance of human spaceflight in shaping future capabilities, India’s astronauts Gp. Cpt. Prashant B Nair and Gp Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla underscored the importance of innovation, collaboration, and long-term vision in a fireside chat at the symposium.
A key highlight of the plenary session on Day 2 was the release of the ISpA- Indian Space Association Space Industry Handbook, marking an important milestone in advancing India’s Space ecosystem. The Space Industry Handbook comprises Space Industry members' profiles, background, leadership, revenue and funding, key management, achievements, investors and partners with detailed information on their products and services.
Air Vice Marshal Manu Midha, Director General, Defence Space Agency, said “The future of national security will be defined by how effectively we integrate space capabilities into our operational framework, where speed of sensing, decision-making and action becomes critical. For India, empowering a robust and indigenous space industry is not just a technological objective, but a strategic imperative to strengthen deterrence and ensure long-term security.”
Lt Gen. Vikas Rohella, Engineer-in-Chief, Indian Army, said “Space-based data has become a force multiplier for engineering planning, enabling more precise, efficient and cost-effective decision-making across diverse terrains. For us, integrating geospatial intelligence and space-enabled capabilities into operations is no longer optional, it is essential to enhance operational readiness and resilience.”
Air Chief Marshall VR Chaudhari (retd.), Former Chief of the Air Staff, said “Space is fast becoming central to modern warfare, with its ability to enhance sensing, decision-making and operational effectiveness across domains. As reliance on space grows, it is imperative that India strengthens its space security architecture, fosters civil-military-industry collaboration, and builds resilient capabilities to safeguard national interests.”
Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh (retd.), Director General, USI & Former Vice Chief of Naval Staff, said “As the character of warfare evolves, the focus must shift towards building integrated, agile and future-ready capabilities that can respond to emerging threats with speed and precision. This will require deeper collaboration between the armed forces, industry and strategic institutions to translate technological advancements into operational advantage.”
Cdr D Nautiyal (Retd.), Program Director (space), iDEX DIO said, "iDEX is the only segment dealing with all three Services and DSA. While almost 70 percent of our challenges are currently in the design and development stage, these numbers are going to change. In another six months, we will be shifting to the integration and testing phase. We have initiated certain policy changes wherein we have revised the SPARK agreement and payment milestones have been amended. We have also instituted a curation cell at iDEX to advise the Services on technical modifications and scope of work to ensure our innovators have the right support."
Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla, ISRO Astronaut, said “India stands at a point where expectations from our space programme are rising, and we must evolve with that shift by investing in capability, innovation and collaboration. If we align our resources and vision effectively, there is a real opportunity for India not just to participate, but to lead with unique, future-ready frameworks that others look to adopt.”
Gp Capt Prashant B Nair, ISRO Astronaut - Designate said “India’s journey into human spaceflight represents far more than a technological milestone, it positions us at the high table where future rules of space will be shaped. As we move forward, civil-military fusion and indigenous capability will be critical not only for national security, but also for ensuring India plays a defining role for the global south in the evolving space ecosystem.”
Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (retd.), Director General, Indian Space Association said, “We are focused on empowering the space industry to enhance defence operational readiness, bringing together some of the finest leaders from the armed forces and the broader ecosystem. The presence of our astronauts honors the storied and evolving bond between uniformed service and the frontier of space. We look forward to a highly engaging and forward-looking discussion on shaping India’s defence space capabilities.”
Over the two days, IDS 2026 hosted a series of high-level sessions, panel discussions, and industry engagements, including the Industry Showcase, fireside conversations, and dedicated forums for interaction between the armed forces and the private sector. The symposium also saw participation from global stakeholders, enabling dialogue on emerging trends and collaboration opportunities, while reinforcing its role as a key platform for aligning operational requirements with industry capabilities.
