India’s space economy expected to be about 45 bn dollars over 7-8 years: Union Minister Jitendra Singh

 Union Minister Jitendra Singh has said India’s space economy, currently close to 9 billion dollars, is expected to expand to about 45 billion dollar over the next seven to eight years. The Minister also stated that India’s space startup ecosystem has grown from a single-digit number of startups a few years ago to around 400 today. He made these comments while reflecting on the last 12 years of the Modi government during an interaction with the media. The Minister said the change of mindset that has happened in the last 12 years under Prime Minister Modi is one of the biggest hallmarks.  He added that this shift was visible in the growing number of civil services toppers emerging from small towns and non-metropolitan backgrounds, reflecting the democratisation of opportunity through technology, transparency and fair competition. Mr Singh also noted that India’s successful landing near the Moon’s south pole had strengthened public interest in science.