India and the European Union (EU) have shown growing interest in deepening their cooperation on space policy, driven by shared goals in space exploration, security, and sustainable development. Below is an overview of their collaboration, based on recent developments and statements:

The Indian Space Policy 2023, released by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), marks a significant shift in India's space strategy. Key highlights include:

Private Sector Participation: The policy opens the space sector to non-governmental entities (NGEs), allowing them to engage in end-to-end activities such as satellite launches, rocket manufacturing, and operating Earth stations. This aims to boost India's share in the global space economy, currently at less than 2%, with ambitions to reach 10% by 2030.

ISRO's Role: ISRO will transition from manufacturing operational space systems to focusing on research and development (R&D) of advanced technologies, space exploration, and human spaceflight.

Institutional Framework: The policy delineates roles for:

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe): A single-window agency for regulating and promoting private space activities.

NewSpace India Limited (NSIL): Responsible for commercializing space technologies.

Department of Space: Oversees policy guidelines and international cooperation, including with the EU.

Security and Diplomacy: While the policy emphasizes civilian and peaceful applications, India's space program increasingly addresses national security, with developments like the 2019 Anti-Satellite (ASAT) test and the establishment of the Defence Space Agency. A separate defense-oriented space security policy is likely.

EU's Space Policy

The EU's space policy, formalized under the EU Space Programme (2021–2027), aims to enhance Europe's strategic autonomy, economic growth, and security through space activities. Key aspects include:

Programmes: The EU manages flagship programs like:

Copernicus: Earth observation for environmental monitoring and security.

Galileo: Global navigation satellite system for precise positioning.

GOVSATCOM: Secure satellite communications for governmental users.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA): Monitoring space hazards and debris.

Economic Impact: The EU space sector employs over 230,000 professionals and contributes €50 billion to the economy, with ambitions to maintain its position as a leading space power amid competition from the US, China, and India.

Security and Governance: The EU emphasizes Space Traffic Management (STM) to ensure safe and sustainable space activities, addressing the growing issue of space congestion with over 13,100 satellites in orbit.

International Cooperation: The EU collaborates with the European Space Agency (ESA) and seeks partnerships with space-faring nations like India to promote responsible behavior in space.

India-EU Space Cooperation

Recent developments highlight a mutual desire to strengthen ties in space policy:

EU's Interest in Collaboration: In April 2025, the EU's Special Envoy for Space, Marjolijn van Deelen, expressed keen interest in deepening cooperation with India, recognizing both as top-tier space-faring entities. She emphasized shared objectives in ensuring space security and governance, particularly through multilateral discussions at the United Nations (UN).

Common Goals: Both India and the EU support rules-based governance to keep space safe and secure as a global commons. Discussions focus on:

Space Security: Developing a common understanding of threats, such as space debris and militarization, and cooperating on frameworks to prevent conflicts in space.

Sustainability: Promoting responsible behaviors, including norms against destructive ASAT tests, as evidenced by the EU's support for a 2022 UN resolution banning such tests, which India abstained from but is open to discussing.

Commercial Opportunities: Leveraging India's cost-effective space technologies and the EU's advanced infrastructure to foster joint ventures, especially in satellite services and space surveillance.

Ongoing Interactions: Indian space companies already engage with the EU's Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) program, indicating practical cooperation. The EU seeks to expand these interactions into broader, comprehensive partnerships.

Diplomatic Engagements: Events like the 2020 EU-India Summit and a 2025 roundtable discussion organized by the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS) in India underscore the strategic importance of space in bilateral relations.

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

Differing Perspectives: While both support UN processes, India and the EU may differ on specific governance approaches, requiring dialogue to align positions.

Legislative Gaps in India: The Indian Space Policy 2023 lacks detailed regulations and timelines, which could delay private sector integration and international partnerships.

Global Competition: Both face pressure from rising space powers like China and private players like SpaceX, necessitating stronger collaboration to remain competitive.

Opportunities:

Joint Projects: Potential for collaboration in Earth observation (e.g., combining Copernicus with India's remote sensing capabilities) and satellite navigation.

Space Diplomacy: India's cost-effective technologies and the EU's advanced infrastructure can support Global South nations, aligning with India's regional leadership goals.

Innovation and Jobs: Partnerships could drive innovation, create jobs, and enhance both regions’ shares in the $1.8 trillion global space economy projected by 2035.