Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 57/23

PRECURSOR MEETING OF THE G20 SPACE ECONOMY LEADERS MEETING BEGINS IN SHILLONG

Under India’s G20 Presidency, the precursor meeting of the G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM) commenced today in Shillong in Meghalaya. The focus of the two-day event is to showcase all the capabilities of ISRO and the Department of Space and to collaborate in future science missions.

The inaugural programme of the meeting held at Hotel Courtyard by Marriott was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad K Sangma, Union Minister of State (Finance) Shri Pankaj Chaudhury, Union Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science and Tech Dr Jitendra Singh (virtually),G20 SherpaShri Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Space (DOS) Shri Somanath S, Chairman IN-SPACe Dr Pawan Kumar Goenka and other dignitaries.

Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhury in his address said that Indian economy is growing at a faster rate and the major contributions to this grow this from the New Space Segment. Stressing on the need to conduct the space activities in a responsible manner he said that efforts are being taken to promote New Space for further fuelling the space economy. As all the G20 members have established space agencies and industries, the country should also look forward to possible alliances, he said. Chaudhury also said that the Space based technologies are recognised as one of the key contributors for growth and prosperity. The space technologies like satellite based earth observation, satellite communications and navigation have positive impacts in agriculture, disaster management, transportation, health and in addressing climate change issues, he added.

Hinting on the commitment of the Government for developing and promoting Space technology for the nation, the minister said, Indian Space programme was evolved with intention of harnessing thebenefits of space technology for solving the problems of common man. The Government of India has recognized Space as a key contributorfor developing the Indian economy in the times to come. To enable this the Government has opened up the Indian Space sector for private investmentsthrough the 2020 space sector reforms.Talking about the opportunities in space technologies, he said that the country needs vitalalliance of responsible space actors to enhance the contribution of Spaceeconomy in global economy.

Dr Jitendra Singh while virtually addressing the inaugural session said that significant progress has been made as far as India's space sector is concerned. He said that over these last few years space technology has penetrated into all walks of life, as a result of this there is a huge demand for space based services which have huge commercial potential. So far as the Indian space and Research Organisation (ISRO) is concerned, it has been striving hard to meet the demands for the space based services and at the same time it is also realizing the need to concentrate on the research for developing new technologies and new applications. The government headed by Prime Minister Modi took a path breaking decision to open up space sector for Indian private industry through the 2020 Space sector Reforms in order to enhance the participation of the private players in end to end space activities. The increased private industry participation will eventually result in increased contribution of India in the global space economy, he further added.

Chief Minister of Meghalaya Shri Conrad K Sangma in his address expressed gratefulness in the decision of the Prime Minister to hold the G20 programmes throughout the country as he said that if we look at the entire theme that has been brought in today discussion on space technology and economy, and the fact that it is happening here in Shillong is something that I really feel very privileged. Shri Sangma said that in the recent times India have seen a large number of reforms and while the country as a whole have moved forward, Northeast India and states like Meghalaya which had not seen the kind of growth economically have been able to become a part of the economic growth and success of this great Nation.

28 delegates from the G20 and Guest countries attended the meeting from Argentina, Australia, France, South Korea, Mexico, Türkiye, USA, Oman, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, China, Russia, Netherlands, Germany, Indonesia and UK. Prominent international and national experts also attended the discussion. Startups in the space economy sector participated in the precursor event and showcased their products. Some of them are Alpha Design,Satsure, Oneweb, DataPattern, CentumAzista Aerospace, Caliche, L&T, Skyserve, Ananth Technologies, Agnikul, Digantara, Pixxel and Dhuruva Space.