India targets a $45bn space economy: what would make it happen?

India’s space economy is now estimated at about $9 billion and could reach $40–45 billion in seven to eight years, minister Jitendra Singh said on October 17 at a New Delhi discussion on space and the new economy. The figure is a government projection, not guaranteed future revenue.

Beyond rockets

Singh highlighted satellite communications, Earth observation and geospatial data used in agriculture, infrastructure monitoring and disaster response. The sector includes spacecraft manufacturing and services built on their data. Launch counts alone therefore do not show whether durable businesses are being built.

Reaching the target would require private investment, predictable demand and timely regulatory approvals, the minister said. Government can be an early customer, but companies must then win others. Long development cycles and costly failures make that harder than building a typical digital service.

For Kazakhstan, the example is relevant to its own space capabilities and its need to monitor steppe, crops and emergencies. India’s projection does not automatically imply growth in Kazakhstan: local customers, engineers and validated products are necessary.

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2324662&lang=1&reg=3.