Startups to Cement Indo-French Collaboration: ISpA DG

During the Indian Space Conclave 2023, held at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, Lt.Gen( Retd) AK Bhatt, Director General, ISpA( Indian Space Association), shares his views on the organizational road-map, deepening collaboration between New Delhi and Paris, and potential of the lunar economy.

Excerpts:

Space cooperation between India and France dates back to the sounding rocket payload in 1963. How do you see the partnership going forward?

There’s a mutual trust between the space agencies of both countries, ISRO and CNES respectively. Now the legacy will be carried forward by the industry. The groundwork for it is already being laid.

For instance, the Indian firm Centum owns a company in France, making components for the space sector. We are looking at many such mutually beneficial commercial ventures between the two countries.

Indian firms will own companies in France and vice-versa. This is leading to synergies between Indian and French start-ups and private players.

Excited to share the ISpA-GIFAS MOU Ceremony! This collaboration between India and France in the space industry is a game-changer. Looking forward to witnessing the signing and celebrating this milestone! #AerospacePartnership #ISpA #GIFAS @GifasOfficiel pic.twitter.com/O9blpiUFP9

— ISpA – Indian Space Association (@ISpA_India) October 9, 2023

What role would IsPA play in the future?

The space conclave is just the starting point. We have given a platform to industry members to be in touch with more than 20 French space companies across the value chain.

We will be conducting more meetings and interactions to build a collaborative environment for the industry.

Post the signing of the Artemis Accords, India is embarking on a lot of new collaborative initiatives. How would it contribute to the long-term growth of Indian space sector?

India is the 28^th signatory to the Artemis Accords, which envisions human spaceflight missions to the moon, maybe building a moon base, and eventually the development of a sustainable lunar economy, which would be greatly beneficial to humanity and trigger innovations across sectors. India would undoubtedly gain from it.

Also Read: Indian Ambition, French Expertise Align Seamlessly in Space: French Envoy