A new generation of Indian startups is rapidly positioning the country as a global hub for strategic and deep-tech innovation across sectors such as space, defence, AI, semiconductors, and advanced communications. Moving beyond consumer-led growth, these firms are increasingly building foundational technologies with global relevance and national security value.

From satellite launch systems and defence-grade drones to sovereign AI and next-generation communications, Indian startups are developing capabilities critical to infrastructure resilience, technological self-reliance, and future economic competitiveness. This shift reflects a maturing innovation ecosystem focused on long-term strategic technologies that serve both domestic priorities and global markets, reinforcing India’s emergence as a key technology developer on the world stage.

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SIA-India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore), marking a significant step towards deepening India–Singapore cooperation across the space and aerospace sectors. This partnership comes at a pivotal time as both countries seek to strengthen industry linkages, unlock new business opportunities, and foster collaboration across rapidly evolving space and aerospace value chains.

The MoU will focus on promoting bilateral collaboration in advanced technologies, facilitating industry engagement and B2B interactions, and enabling member-led delegations. It will also support the joint organisation of webinars, workshops, and roundtables on emerging domains, while encouraging research, innovation, and capacity-building initiatives. Through enhanced policy dialogue, regulatory exchange, and joint thought leadership, the partnership aims to build a more connected and resilient India–Singapore space and aerospace ecosystem driven by industry-led collaboration and shared strategic vision.

Farmtech India 2026, organised by DSS MERI in association with SIA-India and FEED, will be held on 17 February 2026 at the MERI Group of Institutions, New Delhi. The meeting, themed “New Developments and Space-Based Farming Techniques in India – A Strategic Opportunity for the Agriculture and Space Sector,” will bring together agricultural leaders, academic institutions, policymakers, and experts from the space and allied technology sectors. The discussions will examine real-time challenges faced by farmers and explore the application of space technologies in precision farming, weather forecasting, and resource optimisation. The forum will also focus on integrating allied technologies for scalable agri-solutions and developing policy-aligned implementation pathways, with the objective of shaping an actionable roadmap and potential pilot initiatives.

Join the Dialogue:

Date: 17 February 2026

Time: 09:45 AM (IST)

Venue: MERI Group of Institutions, Janakpuri, New Delhi

Online participation: Available via Zoom

Kindly confirm participation by 13 February 2026.

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Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President, SIA-India, and Chairman, Ananth Technologies, will be speaking at an upcoming high-level panel discussion titled “Escape Velocity: Powering India’s Next Phase in Space” to be held on 14 February at The Taj Palace, New Delhi.

The discussion will focus on the next phase of India’s space journey, examining how mission-driven technological excellence can be translated into scalable commercial capabilities across launch, satellite services, data analytics, and downstream applications. The panel will explore pathways for converting India’s growing space strengths into export-ready solutions, attracting global investment, and building sustainable markets across sectors such as climate intelligence, logistics, agriculture, and defence.

SIA-India member Gilat Satellite Networks has secured an order exceeding $10 million to support the deployment of ground infrastructure for a major Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. The contract, awarded by a leading ground gateway antenna provider, will be executed over the next 12 months and will strengthen global multi-orbit communications capabilities.

The order includes advanced Ka-band solid-state power amplifiers designed to enhance high-capacity gateway operations and ensure reliable connectivity across LEO, MEO, and GEO satellite networks. These technologies play a critical role in enabling next-generation broadband services and resilient satellite communications infrastructure worldwide.

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SIA-India’s latest Stellar Conversation features Mr. Kamendra Kumar, Former Director, TCIL, Chairman Tamil Nadu Telecom, and Vice Chairman, TEPC, who calls for reimagining India’s telecom growth through a circular economy approach in his article “Advancing Circular Economy in the Telecom Sector: Enabling Policy and Practice.”

The piece highlights that telecom has evolved into critical national digital infrastructure underpinning governance, economic growth, and strategic resilience. With rapid expansion in 5G, fibre networks, data centres, and satellite-enabled connectivity, traditional linear models of infrastructure deployment are becoming increasingly unsustainable.

Mr. Kumar emphasises that adopting circular economy principles, including asset life extension, reuse, modular design, and responsible end-of-life management, can significantly reduce costs, curb e-waste, and strengthen supply-chain resilience while lowering import dependence. The article underscores the need for India’s digital expansion to transition towards intelligent reuse models where sustainability, affordability, and strategic autonomy reinforce one another.

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SIA-India’s latest Stellar Conversation features Dr. Abhiram Nair’s thought-provoking piece on “Orbital Stewardship in the Post-Kessler Era,” highlighting the growing urgency of responsible behaviour in Earth’s increasingly congested orbital environment.

The article underscores that as space becomes more crowded and debris-laden, sustainable space activity must go beyond regulatory compliance to embrace active stewardship and long-term accountability. It calls for stronger policy evolution, technological innovation, and global cooperation to safeguard orbital space as critical shared infrastructure.

By examining governance gaps, emerging debris-management technologies, and the future of responsible orbital operations, the piece makes a compelling case for placing orbital stewardship at the core of how new-age spacefaring nations and commercial actors approach the next phase of space activity.

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Mr Anil Prakash
Director General, SIA-India

Experts and policymakers will convene at the DefSat-2026 conference (Feb 24–26) to integrate space technology into India's military doctrine. The event focuses on treating space as critical infrastructure and features IndSpaceX 4.0, a pioneering industry-led wargame designed to test resilience in contested environments.

India's private space sector is urging the government to grant "Critical Infrastructure" status in the upcoming budget to unlock low-cost financing. Companies are seeking assured government procurement mandates and fiscal incentives to de-risk deep-tech investments and accelerate the indigenous manufacturing of satellites and launch vehicles.

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath announced that the space agency is actively working toward the first uncrewed flight of the Gaganyaan program. This critical milestone will test the orbital module, propulsion systems, and recovery procedures to ensure safety for future crewed missions.

Global space leaders are emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable practices to mitigate the growing threat of orbital debris. The initiative advocates for international cooperation in space traffic management and the development of technologies to ensure long-term access to Earth’s orbits.

The International Space Station (ISS) is preparing for its final descent, marking the conclusion of decades of global scientific collaboration. Plans are underway for a controlled re-entry into the Pacific Ocean, shifting the focus toward commercial space stations and deep-space exploration.

Following a year of record achievements, India’s private space industry is eyeing significant investment growth and expanded operations in 2026. Experts anticipate a rise in satellite launches and downstream applications as the government continues to liberalize the sector for global competitiveness.