India-US space partnership enters ‘co-creation’ phase, opens new business opportunities
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The India-US space partnership has moved beyond conventional cooperation towards joint development and commercialisation, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said, highlighting the growing role of private capital, startups and advanced technology in the bilateral relationship.
Speaking at the Bengaluru Space Expo 2026, Gor said the two countries were increasingly combining their respective strengths in engineering, scientific talent, private capital and commercial ecosystems to build a deeper technology and business partnership.
Space partnership shifts from cooperation to co-creation
“A few weeks ago, at the 9th U.S.-India Civil Space Joint Working Group, right here in Bengaluru, we saw profound transformation taking place. Those discussions affirmed that our partnership is no longer just about cooperation; it is about co-creation. We are no longer just sharing data; we are co-designing instruments, co-funding startups, and co-authoring the future of human discovery,” Gor said.
The ambassador positioned space as a critical economic sector rather than merely an arena for technological achievement, with applications spanning navigation, communications, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
“Space is no longer a luxury for national pride; today it is the engine of the 21st-century global economy. It powers our navigation, it secures our communications, it trains our artificial intelligence, and it accelerates advanced manufacturing,” he said.
Gor said the partnership could leverage the complementary capabilities of both countries. “In this modern-day space race, the United States brings world-class private capital and mature commercial ecosystems. India brings world-class engineering, extraordinary scientific talent, and a fearless startup sector. The resulting partnership creates a new dream team that can and will do wonders,” he added.
TRUST initiative seeks to unlock technology, startup and investment opportunities
He said space was central to the TRUST initiative launched by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while the US has also launched the TRUST Fellowship and expanded its Commercial Service presence in Bengaluru.
“President Trump and Prime Minister Modi recognised this synergy when they established the TRUST initiative — Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology. And space sits directly at the centre of TRUST,” Gor said.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening links between researchers, technology companies and startups, potentially creating new avenues for cross-border investment and commercial partnerships in emerging technologies.
The broader economic relationship is also gaining momentum, with bilateral trade now exceeding $240 billion, according to Gor.
“Pick any sector, and the United States and India are working on it, and working at previously unthinkable levels. Whether that's our bilateral trade, which today exceeds $240 billion, whether that's pharma, technology, military cooperation, or anything else, we are working hand in hand,” he said.
Javelin deal adds fresh momentum to India-US defence manufacturing ties
Gor also highlighted the expanding defence-manufacturing relationship, including the agreement between Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) for domestic co-production of the Javelin missile system.
“A major step forward for the US-India defence partnership. This collaboration between Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Tata Advanced Systems Limited will create new opportunities for US companies, strengthen America's defence-industrial base, and boost India's manufacturing capabilities,” Gor said in a post on X.
The development underscores the broader shift in India-US ties towards co-development, domestic manufacturing and private-sector participation, with space, advanced technology and defence emerging as key areas for deeper commercial engagement.