'India will build its own space station': PM Modi on National Space Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India will build its own space station as he hailed the development towards the space sector in the country.

He spoke on the occasion of National Space Day, saying, “India is rapidly advancing in breakthrough technologies such as semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion. Soon, thanks to the tireless efforts of Indian scientists, India will launch the Gaganyaan mission and in the coming years, India will also establish its own space station.”

PM Modi mentioned the achievements of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and mentioned his recent trip to space as part of the Axiom-4 mission. This year, India is celebrating National Space Day, and the theme is “From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan”.

More from India

'Under PM Modi, India projecting itself as voice of Global South': Fiji PM Rabuka to Firstpost This Week in Explainers: Why Nepal is upset as India-China resume trade

“Just 3 days ago, I met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. He filled every Indian with pride by hoisting the tricolour on the International Space Station. The moment, the feeling when he was showing me the tricolour, is beyond words," PM Modi said.

#WATCH | Delhi: On the National Space Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Today, India is rapidly advancing in breakthrough technologies like semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion. Soon, with the hard work of all you scientists, India will also soar with Gaganyaan… pic.twitter.com/2zq0pxObBn

— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2025

He added, “I firmly believe that in the space sector, there should never be a final pause at the policy level. That is why I had said from the Red Fort that our path is the path of Reform, Perform, and Transform. In the past 11 years, the nation has undertaken major reforms in the space sector.”

PM Modi reflected on the boundless nature of space, noting that it serves as a reminder that no destination is ever final. Drawing a parallel to policymaking, he emphasised that progress in the space sector should also remain continuous and evolving. Recalling his address from the Red Fort, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to the path of Reform, Perform, and Transform. Over the past eleven years, he noted, India has undertaken significant reforms in the space sector.

He also pointed out that space was once a heavily restricted and government-dominated field, but those limitations have now been removed, allowing private players to enter and contribute to space technology.

He highlighted the rise of more than 350 startups that are driving innovation and growth in the sector, many of which were present at the event. The prime minister also announced that the first PSLV rocket built entirely by the private sector will be launched soon.