The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a letter of intent with India’s main space industry association, the Indian Space Association (ISpA).

Following this year’s announcement of enhanced cooperation with the Indian Space Research Organisation, the potential for future collaboration with ISpA demonstrates the deepening of Europe’s relationship with India’s space ecosystem. ISpA’s members include large Indian companies, multinational space companies, and dozens of startups.

The letter of intent was announced during the India International Space Conclave 2025, held on 18 and 19 November in New Delhi, an annual gathering of international space stakeholders from the public and private sectors in India.

ESA’s Director for Strategy, Legal and External Matters, Eric Morel de Westgaver, said: “This is an opportunity for us to examine areas of shared interest between ESA and ISpA, and for everyone to benefit from expertise and knowledge-sharing. The breadth and depth of the Indian space industry is expanding every year, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

ISpA Director General Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt said: “Since its foundation four years ago, ISpA has become India’s apex space industry body. We believe by investigating our shared areas of interest with Europe through the European Space Agency, that the whole space industry will benefit, and that we can raise our ambitions and achievements together.”

Areas of mutual interest to be explored pursuant to the letter include space research, information exchange on space research and commerce, and a dialogue for capability building.

Source: ESA Media Relations