New Delhi, May 7, 2025 – In his first public address after the successful Operation Sindoor, a targeted military strike against terrorist bases across the Line of Control, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful video message at the Global Conference on Space Exploration 2025. Recorded on May 6, the speech celebrated India’s extraordinary space journey, seamlessly blending themes of scientific innovation with the nation’s resolve in national security.
“India’s space story is one of dreams defying limits,” Modi proclaimed, tracing the nation’s trajectory from its first rocket launch in 1963 to becoming the first to land on the lunar south pole with Chandrayaan-3. He highlighted key milestones, including the Aditya-L1 solar mission, the forthcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, and bold plans for an Indian Space Station by 2035 and an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040. Modi emphasized the growth of India’s space economy, projected to double to $16 billion, fueled by private sector innovation and government reforms like IN-SPACe.
The address, delivered hours after Operation Sindoor, showcased Modi’s strategic leadership, balancing high-stakes military operations with a forward-looking vision for space exploration. Modi’s approach echoed his pre-Balakot strategy in 2019, maintaining a routine public presence to project calm while overseeing critical defense actions.
Modi praised the Indian Space Research Organisation for its global impact, citing Shiv Shakti Point (Chandrayaan-3’s landing site) and Tiranga Point (Chandrayaan-2’s crash site) as symbols of India’s resilience. He also highlighted the role of youth and over 60 private companies driving innovation in launch vehicles, satellites, and space applications. “Our reforms have turned space into a domain of opportunity for all,” he noted, crediting policies that have democratised access to the sector.
The speech reinforced India’s dual commitment to scientific advancement and national security, with Modi’s leadership bridging these priorities. By addressing GLEX 2025 amidst the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, he signalled India’s unwavering focus on progress, even in challenging times.
