India–France space cooperation to focus on human spaceflight, start-ups and New Space, says Jitendra Singh
On 28 September 2026 a delegation led by French Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space Philippe Baptiste met MoS Jitendra Singh in New Delhi to widen space cooperation.
Summary
Jitendra Singh said the partnership, which began with sounding rocket experiments in the 1960s, now covers joint satellite missions, launch vehicle technology and human spaceflight. He said the TRISHNA mission, Gaganyaan and India's 400+ space start-ups open new opportunities, and that the 2026 India–France Year of Innovation creates avenues for deeper scientific and technological cooperation. He called for wider government–industry and start-up collaboration.
Key facts
- Meeting
- Philippe Baptiste (French Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space) with Jitendra Singh, New Delhi, 28 September 2026
- History
- Cooperation since sounding rocket experiments of the 1960s
- Focus areas
- Human spaceflight, start-ups, New Space ecosystem
- Missions cited
- TRISHNA, Gaganyaan
- Indian space start-ups
- 400+
- 2026
- India–France Year of Innovation
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Along with Gaganyaan, which mission did Jitendra Singh cite as creating new opportunities for India–France space partnership in September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — TRISHNA
Jitendra Singh said TRISHNA, Gaganyaan and India's 400+ space start-ups create new opportunities for the India–France partnership.
The year 2026 has been designated as the India–France Year of what?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Innovation
Jitendra Singh said the 2026 India–France Year of Innovation opens new avenues for scientific and technological cooperation.