By Chaitali Bag
The third edition of the Indian DefSpace Symposium 2025 has boldly propelled India’s defence and space aspirations into the spotlight. Held at the renowned Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) in New Delhi, this grand event brought together some of the brightest minds, visionaries, and leaders in the defence and space sectors. It was more than a routine symposium; it was a rousing declaration that India is ready to assert its place among the galactic greats. With the convergence of defence honchos, policymakers, industry experts, and global pioneers, the stage is set for India to rise as a formidable leader in the ever-expanding and immensely critical domain of defence and space.
The overarching theme of the symposium was clear: collaboration, innovation, and strategy will form the pillars of India’s future in space and defence. General Anil Chauhan, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, struck a powerful chord during his keynote address, highlighting the urgent need for a cohesive and futuristic “Space Culture” in India. His words carried an undeniable sense of urgency. “Space is emerging as a new domain that will dominate warfare,” he remarked, underlining the critical role of space in defining the battlegrounds of tomorrow. His emphasis on fostering original doctrines, groundbreaking research, and enduring institutions to ideate on space warfare showed India’s resolve to go beyond just catching up — we intend to lead.
India’s geopolitical situation, surrounded by emerging players in space technologies, makes advancements in space-based Defence Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities an urgent call. The much-anticipated military space doctrine and upcoming launches of ISR satellites, as disclosed by General Chauhan, mark significant steps forward. The vision is not just to protect India’s sovereign interests but also to actively deter threats in Earth’s orbit, a strategic move critical for maintaining technological dominance.
Equally inspiring were the contributions from Jayant Patil, Chairman of the Indian Space Association (ISpA). Patil painted a vibrant picture of the collaborative potential between India’s public and private sectors. He spoke with pride about achievements such as communication satellites, radars, and tracking technologies that have already proven India’s technical prowess. Yet, his vision extended beyond these accomplishments, calling for stronger private participation in the space and defence ecosystem. With the government’s commitment to launching over 52 dedicated military satellites and expanding the ambit of private enterprise into defence technology, the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative is gaining a cosmic dimension.
One of the most thought-provoking aspects of the symposium was the larger narrative of India’s positioning in the global space race. Unlike traditional warfare, space is the ultimate equalizer, and countries like India, which possess scientific talent, technological capability, and visionary leadership, have the unique opportunity to leap ahead. However, as discussed during the sessions on Space Threat Analysis and Secure Defence Networks, the challenges are manifold. Adversaries with advanced space programs raise the stakes, necessitating swift and strategic responses from India.
To combat these challenges, collaboration is key. Multiple stakeholders — the military, private companies, research agencies, and international allies — must function as a unified ecosystem. Although a national military space policy and the reforms around organizations like the Defence Space Agency (DSA) and New Space India Limited (NSIL) are steps in the right direction, the road to becoming a global leader demands constant effort and innovation. The goal is not just to launch satellites or to flex technological muscle but to shape the very future of space defence strategies on an international scale.
Another striking takeaway from the symposium was the call to harness the power of young minds in this great endeavour. General Chauhan’s emphasis on building societies and institutions capable of ideating on space warfare hits home. India’s “Space Culture” will thrive when academia, startups, and research bodies rally together, engineering solutions that will define the next era of exploration, not only in our country but also globally. Space warfare, at its very essence, will not merely rely on military might but also on a nation’s ability to think ahead, innovate, and collaborate.
India’s Next Frontier: Leading the Charge in the Space Domain
The boundless expanse of space has always captivated humanity, offering infinite possibilities for exploration, innovation, and advancement. Today, as global powers scramble to cement their positions in the rapidly evolving space race, India is at a defining moment. Visionaries like Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari (Retd.), AVM Pawan Kumar, Amb Sujan R. Chinoy, and Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt (Retd.) are urging the nation to take long strides in the strategic, technological, and economic dimensions of the space domain. Their words are not merely calls to action but vivid blueprints for India’s ambition to lead the global space ecosystem.
At the core of this discussion is a shift in how we perceive space: it is no longer just a scientific frontier or a domain for civilian purposes—it is a critical theatre of defence, intelligence, and economic opportunity. The theme of the recent forum, “Securing the Space Domain: Collaboration, Capabilities, and Strategic Vision,” sums up the urgency of the moment. Space is now a contested, competitive, and complex landscape, and India must rise to meet the challenges head-on.
From Big Satellites to Resilient Constellations
As Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari pointed out, the era of relying on singular, large satellites is giving way to resilient constellations of smaller, agile satellites designed for specific tasks. These high-performing systems can operate across different orbits, offering capabilities like launch-on-demand, space-based 5G networks, onboard edge processing, and even quantum communications. The shrinking of satellite size, coupled with their growing utility, has opened doors for unprecedented advancements in both civilian and defence sectors. This paradigm shift is not just an opportunity but a necessity for India to secure its space assets and achieve self-reliance. A robust space ecosystem built on innovation, collaboration, and sheer resilience is the way forward.
Interestingly, startups and private players have already flexed their muscles in this domain, as highlighted by Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt. With minimal financial support, they’ve introduced groundbreaking technologies, developing hyperspectral satellites and space domain awareness capabilities. By empowering such players through platforms like IN-SPACe and collaborations with ISRO, DRDO, and the Defence Space Agency, India can build a robust space system that’s future-ready and responsive to rapidly evolving global dynamics.
Strategic Space Defence: Beyond Conventional Boundaries
In the context of defence, AVM Pawan Kumar’s remarks were a masterclass in articulating a forward-looking vision. He underscored India’s well-defined decadal roadmap, which focuses on mission-critical areas like space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), secure communication, Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), and space weather monitoring. These technologies are pivotal not just for defence preparedness but for ensuring day-to-day civilian utilities like navigation, disaster management, and communication networks remain operational and secure.
Moreover, the convergence of military and civilian uses in space is accelerating. Approximately 80% of defence space data is already consumed by the strategic community, emphasizing the mutual dependence of these domains. It is therefore essential to adopt a user-driven approach, integrating the needs of armed forces with cutting-edge innovation from research institutions, academia, and the private sector.
A Doctrine to Dominate
Amb Sujan R. Chinoy’s call for a robust space doctrine that fuses deterrence with disruption is especially timely. The rules of warfare are being rewritten in an era dominated by emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and hypersonic systems. India must invest not only in creating dual-use satellites capable of both civilian and military applications but also in ensuring these systems are survivable against potential threats like jamming, hacking, and physical destruction.
Space, once a peaceful domain, is becoming increasingly weaponized. India must prepare itself for such realities. Partnerships among ISRO, DRDO, space startups, and tech companies are not just beneficial but critical. With platforms like the Indian Space Association (ISpA) fostering these synergies, India can develop the capabilities to not only defend its space assets but also deny rivals from misusing theirs.
Innovation at Lightning Speed
Speed and adaptability are the watchwords of modern space innovation, as Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt emphasized. Strategic partnerships will play a major role, but the real driving force will come from startups and private enterprises—entities that thrive on daring visions and rapid execution. From hyperspectral imaging to software-defined payloads and quantum-resistant secure communications, the innovation cycle must keep pace with the demands of the defence forces and the civilian population.
As the symposium progressed across its three days, topics like multi-domain operations, secure communications, and emerging geopolitical risks further emphasized why space is no longer just a place of curiosity — it’s a stage for power play. For India, the opportunity is ripe. The synthesis of visionary thinking, government reforms, public-private partnerships, and an international outlook ensures that India can chart a unique trajectory that prioritizes national security, technological agility, and global cooperation.
The three-day forum served as a vibrant platform to discuss these critical themes, dive into space-based ISR, secure communications, propulsion systems, and quantum technologies, and forge pathways for collaboration. With over 500 participants and 100 organizations, the dynamics of the conference demonstrated that the space revolution is not just a lofty aspiration—it’s a tangible reality.
Conquering the Final Frontier
As India races toward becoming a global space leader, it must remember that the road ahead is not without challenges. The scattered lines between civilian and military applications in space bring added complexity to policy formulation, operational standards, and international collaborations. Yet, the opportunities far outweigh the challenges.
The time is ripe for India to redefine its space strategy, tapping into its vibrant tech ecosystem and collaborative institutions. Guided by a strategic vision and empowered by a dynamic private sector, India stands ready to claim leadership in the global space ecosystem. The dream of a secure, innovative, and self-reliant space future is no longer far-fetched—it’s within our grasp. Now is the time to aim for the stars and seize the infinite possibilities of the space domain. It’s time for India to reach new heights and show the world that it is truly a powerhouse among the stars.
The Indian DefSpace Symposium 2025 is a clarion call for deeper collaboration and innovation in the defence and space sectors. This event has not just spotlighted the challenges of today’s space landscape but has also provided a roadmap for firmly establishing India as a space-faring nation of the future. As the stars align, India’s bold steps in this arena are unstoppable. It’s time for bold decisions, groundbreaking policies, and united efforts. As the ancient Indian saying goes, “The sky is not the limit; it is just the beginning.” Indeed, for India, the cosmos awaits!
