India-US Space Business Forum Begins In Bengaluru, Focuses On Collaboration

Last Updated:February 10, 2026, 17:56 IST

The US-India Space Business Forum in Bengaluru united leaders and 14 US space companies, highlighting joint missions aiming for deeper collaboration.

The two-day US-India Space Business Forum was inaugurated in Bengaluru on Tuesday with focus on deepening space cooperation between India and the US by bringing together government leaders, space agencies and industry stakeholders from both countries.

According to an official statement, the forum focuses on policy coordination, regulatory frameworks and commercial opportunities, while advancing cooperation under the US-India Civil Space Joint Working Group (CSJWG).

Carey Arun, US Consul General, said 14 American space companies and officials from the US Department of Commerce have participated in the event. He also highlighted India’s achievements in space and innovation and expressing optimism about future collaboration.

“It was one year ago that President Trump and PM Modi agree to deepen India–US cooperation in space. We have seen significant achievements in India in the field of space and innovation. We look forward to the cooperation and opportunities that US–India collaboration can bring in the future," he said.

“Everything from FDI to Space Policy, from the space startup ecosystem to building the low Earth orbit economy and so much more. And of course, abundant opportunity to network and explore many of the possibilities for partnership," he added.

The conference underlined that space underpins national security, disaster monitoring and development goals, describing the forum as a move beyond cooperation towards co-creation.

At the event, Janice Starzyk, Acting Director and Deputy Director, Office of Space Commerce, NOAA, US Department of Commerce, said: “We’re not here to discuss technology, but to build markets. The timing of the forum is excellent. We’ve recently moved towards the trade deal. As we expand our commercial footprint, we must protect our domain. We are moving from a reactive to a pro-active commitment. The safer space domain means lower risk for every company represented here. Welcome to the future of Us-India space commerce."

He was representing US co-chair of sub-working group for Space Commerce.

Dr V Narayanan, Secretary of Department of Space. who was the chief guest at the event, pointed out India-US space cooperation in 1975, calling the ties as human-centric, application-oriented partnership.

“As you all are aware, under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, we are working in a vibrant mode in space sector. In 2020 space sector reform was announced and thereby, private sector companies have been working here including start ups. At present there are 330 start ups working in this sector," he said.

He highlighted joint milestones including Chandrayaan-1, the NISAR mission, the Gaganyaan programme and the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, underscoring India’s openness to collaboration, investment, and shared growth in the space sector.

“Indo-US collaboration has a long history. In 1963, a tiny rocket from USA was launched from the Indian soil. Cut to Dec 2024, we accomplished the heaviest launch and the satellite came from a US company, the launcher was from India. This is the collab between the two countries. On July 30, Nisar, an Indo-US collaborative satellite was launched. Then the Axiom programme, under the vision of PM Modi, we have sent Space X, we sent Shubhanshu Shukla to space. When it comes to space sector, PM Modi believes that international collaboration is very, very important," he added.

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