ISRO to remain state-owned despite private sector partnerships

The chairperson of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has sought to dispel concerns about the agency's future ownership structure, asserting that ISRO will not be privatised despite growing participation of private firms in India's space sector.

The clarification comes as the space agency has increasingly engaged with private companies on various projects and initiatives. Officials have noted that such collaborations represent a shift in operational approach rather than a fundamental change in ISRO's governance or control.

Contributions and partnerships with private enterprises should not be misconstrued as a move towards privatisation, the ISRO chief emphasised. The agency intends to leverage private sector capabilities while retaining its core identity as a government research and development institution.

The statement reflects India's broader strategy to boost its space economy by encouraging private participation while maintaining public sector leadership in space exploration and research. ISRO continues to focus on its primary mandate of developing indigenous space technology and undertaking scientific missions of national importance.

The clarification is expected to provide reassurance to stakeholders concerned about the direction of India's space programme amid the growing commercialisation of the sector.