The European Space Agency has taken another step toward strengthening its ties with India’s fast-growing space sector, signing a letter of intent with the Indian Space Association (ISpA). The agreement was announced at the India International Space Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, where government agencies, industry leaders and space-tech startups gathered on 18–19 November.
The move follows ESA’s announcement earlier this year of expanded cooperation with the Indian Space Research Organisation. By extending engagement to ISpA – India’s main industry body representing major aerospace companies, multinational firms and dozens of emerging startups – Europe is signalling a broader commitment to working with India across the full spectrum of space activity.
ESA Director for Strategy, Legal and External Matters, Eric Morel de Westgaver, said the agreement opens the door to identifying shared priorities and enabling deeper knowledge-sharing across both ecosystems. He noted that India’s commercial space sector is expanding rapidly and presents new opportunities for international cooperation.
ISpA Director General Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt said the industry body, now four years old, has become a central voice for India’s private-sector space activities. He said the partnership with ESA will help both regions raise their ambitions and broaden opportunities across research, technology development and commercial growth.
Under the letter of intent, ESA and ISpA will explore collaboration in areas including space research, information and expertise exchange, commercial space activity, and capability-building dialogue. Both organisations view the agreement as a foundation for deeper cooperation at a time when India’s public and private space capabilities are scaling rapidly.
Space & Defence – Space and Earth Partners and Advisory were media partners to India International Space Conclave 2025.
