ISRO's budget rises to ₹13,415cr as major space missions approach
01 Feb 2025

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has received a financial boost in the Union Budget for 2025-26.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has allocated ₹13,415.20 crore to the Department of Space, an increase from last year's budget of ₹13,042.75 crore.

The increased funding highlights India's rising focus on leveraging space technology for national development and governance.

Budget allocation to support ambitious space projects
Project funding

A major chunk of the budget, ₹6,103 crore, has been exclusively allocated for capital expenditure on space research.

This money will be utilized for several ambitious projects ranging from satellite launches to deep-space missions.

The enhanced investment will focus on integrating space-based applications into key sectors like agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.

Strengthening India's position as tech hub
Industry impact

Awais Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Pixxel, said, "The Union Budget 2025 strengthens India's position as a technology and innovation hub with key measures that support deep tech, space, and advanced manufacturing."

He added that initiatives like the National Geospatial Mission and National Manufacturing Mission will bolster high-tech domestic production and reinforce India's global leadership.

Budget emphasizes public-private partnerships in space sector
Collaboration focus

The Budget also emphasizes the role of public-private partnerships in the space sector.

With the government's liberalized Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy, which permits up to 100% FDI in satellite manufacturing and related systems, it seeks to promote innovation and draw private sector participation.

This is expected to create an enabling environment for both start-ups and established companies to flourish in India's expanding space economy.

Cabinet approves big-ticket missions for ISRO
Mission approval

The Cabinet recently approved many big-ticket missions, including Chandrayaan-4, Venus Orbiter Mission, development of the Next Generation Launch vehicle, and creation of a new spaceport and a third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC).

Industry experts have welcomed this budget boost as a pivotal moment for India's space sector, positioning it as a global player in space exploration and technology.