24 August,2026 11:15 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Rahul Gandhi. Representational Pic
The Congress on Monday criticised the Centre's reported plans to expand private sector participation in India's space programme, arguing that the move should not come at the expense of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh raised the issue in a post on X, citing recent reports about the future role of ISRO in the country's space programme.
Ramesh said the reports had raised concerns about the possible dilution of ISRO's responsibilities after decades of building expertise in space technology.
He highlighted the contributions of scientists and former ISRO leaders including Vikram Sarabhai, Satish Dhawan, Brahm Prakash, UR Rao and APJ Abdul Kalam in developing India's space capabilities.
ISRO was established in 1969, with Sarabhai playing a key role in its creation and serving as its first chairman.
Ramesh alleged that the Modi government was pursuing an "aggressive privatisation agenda" for the space sector, similar to what he claimed had happened in the nuclear energy sector.
He claimed that ISRO's involvement in rocket development and manufacturing could be significantly reduced, while some satellite-related assets could be transferred to private companies.
Ramesh also claimed that the government planned to hand over the second spaceport being developed in Tamil Nadu to a private company, despite significant public investment in the facility.
He questioned what the future would hold for the established Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh amid these changes.
Ramesh acknowledged that private space startups should receive support and encouragement.
However, he argued that this should happen alongside a strong ISRO rather than by reducing the organisation's role.
"Why should ISRO, which has for long had productive partnerships with the private sector, now be strangulated and emasculated?" he asked.
Ramesh also claimed that around 100 to 120 key ISRO professionals had left the organisation in recent months, although he did not provide details supporting the claim.
Ramesh referred to an unnamed former ISRO chairman who, according to him, had also expressed concerns over the reported privatisation plans.
He appeared to be referring to G Madhavan Nair, who joined the BJP in 2018.
Ramesh questioned why other former ISRO chairpersons had not publicly commented on the issue.
He also shared a video of his 2023 Rajya Sabha speech on India's achievements in space exploration.
(With inputs from PTI)
