New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently interacted with CEOs and founders of 20 Indian space startups at Seva Teerth and praised the country's rise in the private space sector, while calling for greater collaboration to position India as a global hub for space technology. 

During the interaction, he encouraged space companies to explore new applications of their technologies and focus on how these can make people's lives easier.

The interaction, held on Friday, brought together leaders of startups working across a wide range of areas, including rocket and reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicle development, avionics, satellites, advanced propulsion systems, space and defence intelligence, space debris removal, and AI-powered hyperlocal weather and climate intelligence.

The startup founders highlighted the rapid progress made by India's private space sector and shared their vision for its future.

They said their companies had invested significant time and effort in developing capabilities and technologies indigenously, while expressing gratitude for the support extended by the Prime Minister and the government.

In the video of the interaction, released on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi can be heard expressing gratitude to the startups for placing their trust in the Central government. 

"The biggest thing is that you placed your trust in the word of the government. It has always been my view that whatever decision we take, we must remain consistent in it, so that even if someone wants to take a risk they do that without fear," PM Modi said.

Interacting with the CEOs, the Prime Minister said, "The world must now be searching for Indian startups, wondering, 'Who are the players in this?' Because whenever a breakthrough occurs, people's attention turns to it immediately."

"We need to bring more people together. People who had gone abroad are now returning. I believe we should create such an aura that across the world, people in this sector feel, 'If you want to build a career, go to India.' Connect with Indian startups. Connect with Indian space agencies. I firmly believe that because of you all, we can pull the entire global talent pool like a magnet," he mentioned.

PM Modi said that in terms of cost, India is "highly competitive". 

"When it comes to talent, there is no question at all. And the risk-taking capacity of our countrymen is naturally quite high. Because of that, we can establish our position very rapidly," he said.

The founders recalled that the decision to open the space sector to private participation had generated significant enthusiasm and created new opportunities for Indian industry. They also noted that several companies are now showing interest in adopting and leveraging technologies developed by the emerging private space industry.

The industry leaders also underlined the strong ecosystem being created through government support and collaboration among companies. They said their teams were highly motivated and working with determination to achieve ambitious goals in the space sector.

PM Modi also encouraged space companies to explore new applications of their technologies and focus on developing solutions that can make people's lives easier. The Prime Minister called for greater collaboration between space startups and companies operating in other sectors.

The Prime Minister suggested that companies working on space debris could collaborate with environmental organisations to expand the use of their technologies. Similarly, space technology companies working in agriculture could partner with agricultural universities and government departments to help farmers make better-informed decisions and improve productivity.

--IANS