RT team
India and the United States have outlined ambitious steps to enhance their space collaboration, focusing on human spaceflight, joint exploration, and fostering commercial partnerships in the growing space economy. A high-level meeting in Houston on December 17 brought together US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, and Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra.
Building on commitments made by President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2023, and India’s signing of the Artemis Accords, both nations aim to deepen cooperation across civil, security, and commercial space sectors. Notable initiatives include the selection of two ISRO astronauts to train at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, marking the first joint mission to the International Space Station, planned for 2025 under the Axiom-4 mission.
The two nations are exploring a “space innovation bridge” to connect US and Indian startups, focusing on space situational awareness, satellite technology, and launch exploration. Defence collaboration will expand through the Advanced Domains Defence Dialogue, India’s participation in the Global Sentinel exercise, and joint challenges under the INDUS-X initiative.
Additionally, officials discussed plans to launch the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite in 2025 and strengthen private sector collaboration under the iCET framework. With a completed Strategic Framework for Human Spaceflight Cooperation and advancements in missile technology reviews, the partnership is poised to unlock new opportunities in space exploration and innovation.
This strengthened alliance underscores a shared vision of leadership in the global space economy.
