India shines at Glex 2025 summit, emerges as global space power
India demonstrated its rising status as a global space power as Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State, Science and Technology, addressed the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2025) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.The high-profile summit, themed 'Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance,' drew leaders, astronauts, and scientists from over 35 countries, reinforcing India's central role in international space diplomacy and innovation.advertisementJointly organised by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), GLEX 2025 featured more than 240 interactive presentations across 10 technical sessions and 15 thematic areas, showcasing global advances in space exploration.
Dr. Singh inaugurated a dynamic exhibition with 22 stalls, highlighting achievements from Indian startups, international agencies, and ISRO's latest missions.In his keynote, Dr. Singh emphasised India's transformation from a follower to a global enabler in space.'India is now collaborating as an equal partner with leading space-faring nations. This is a testimony to our scientific capability, visionary leadership, and commitment to peaceful space cooperation,' he stated, noting that India's journey now inspires developing nations worldwide.He described GLEX 2025 as a platform advancing India's dual vision: serving its people through space applications and acting as a trusted global partner, not a 'Big Brother,' but as 'equal brothers' for the collective benefit of humanity.advertisementThe Minister highlighted government initiatives to democratise the space sector, with over 190 startups emerging in the past two years, fueling innovation in deep space missions and commercial applications. International dignitaries from ESA, Japan, the US, China, and the UAE attended, reflecting the event's global character.ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan reiterated the agency's commitment to interplanetary exploration and societal benefit. The summit also launched an astronaut outreach programme, featuring global and Indian astronauts engaging with youth to spark interest in space science.
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