PM Modi sees India’s space startups as a magnet for global talent

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on India’s space startups to help turn the country into a magnet for global talent, saying a mix of lower costs, technical capability and a predictable policy environment could draw professionals from around the world to build their careers here.

At an interaction with chief executives and founders of 20 space startups at Seva Teerth, Modi said the government’s effort to build trust with young companies could help India draw talent working overseas back into the country, while also attracting professionals from other markets.

“People from abroad are coming back,” Modi said during the interaction. “I think we should create such an aura that people in this field, from all over the world want to come to India to make a living.”

His appeal puts talent at the centre of India’s private space push, which is moving beyond the initial opening of the sector to private participation. The challenge now is to create enough confidence, opportunity and commercial scale for engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs to see India as a long-term base for space technology work.

Modi said the country had important advantages. “We are very competitive in cost. There is no question of talent. And the risk-taking capacity of our people is anyway more,” he said. “And because of that, we can make our place very quickly.”

The Prime Minister urged startups to form closer links with one another and with the country’s space agencies. “Connect with India’s startups. Connect with India’s space agencies,” he said. “I firmly believe that we can attract the entire talent pool like a magnet because of you.”

Policy stability central to startup confidence

The interaction brought together founders working across rockets, reusable semi cryogenic launch vehicles, avionics, satellites, advanced propulsion systems, space and defence intelligence, space debris removal, and AI powered local weather and climate intelligence.

Several founders outlined the time and effort their companies had invested in developing capabilities and technologies within India. They credited government support and industry collaboration for helping teams work towards demanding technical and commercial goals.

Modi said the government’s role was to give founders certainty, especially in a sector where development takes years and technical risks are unavoidable. “You have shown courage in a new field. The most important thing is that you trusted the word of your government,” he said.

“My motto is that whatever decision we make, we should be consistent in it. We should not change it again and again. So that if anyone wants to take a risk, he will have faith.”

The Prime Minister said entrepreneurs should know they would retain the government’s support even when things did not go as planned. “If something goes wrong because of my mistake, it’s okay, but at least no one will leave my hand,” he said. “And this is our effort to build trust.”

Participants said opening the space sector to private participation had created enthusiasm and new opportunities for industry. They also said several companies were showing interest in adopting and using technologies being developed by India’s emerging private space businesses.

“The world must be looking for India’s startups,” Modi said. “When there is a breakthrough, people’s attention is immediately drawn to it.”