Heralding new era in India’s private space sector
HYDERABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the cutting-edge Infinity Campus of Skyroot Aerospace in Hyderabad on Thursday, marking a milestone in India’s rapidly expanding private space industry. Speaking via video conference, PM Modi praised India’s youth and entrepreneurs for propelling the nation to the forefront of global innovation.
“This is an unprecedented time for India’s science and technology landscape,” PM Modi said. “Our youth’s innovation, risk-taking ability, and entrepreneurship are soaring to new heights, driving India towards self-reliance and leadership on the global stage.”
Spanning approximately 200,000 square feet, the Infinity Campus is equipped to design, develop, and test multiple launch vehicles, with the capacity to produce one orbital rocket each month. Founded by IIT alumni and former ISRO scientists Pawan Chandana and Bharath Dhaka, Skyroot made history in November 2022 with Vikram-S, India’s first private sub-orbital rocket launch.
PM Modi reflected on India’s space journey, noting ISRO’s decades-long tradition of excellence. “From carrying rocket parts on bicycles to missions to the Moon and Mars, India’s progress speaks to our determination and innovation,” he remarked.
Highlighting government reforms, the Prime Minister announced the launch of a Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation Fund aimed at fostering high-risk, high-impact projects. He also unveiled plans for India to host the Global AI Summit in February 2026, furthering initiatives like the India AI Mission focused on ethical, human-centric AI development.
PM Modi’s address celebrated India’s startup revolution, with over 1.5 lakh registered startups innovating across fintech, agritech, healthtech, and defence sectors. He highlighted the semiconductor sector’s growth and forthcoming reforms to open the nuclear sector to private players.
“We are committed to empowering our youth, scientists, and entrepreneurs with opportunities and support,” PM Modi said. “The 21st century belongs to India—on Earth and in space.”
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy and other dignitaries joined the event, marking a defining moment in India’s pursuit of technological self-reliance and global leadership.
The inauguration of Skyroot’s Infinity Campus symbolises the vibrant spirit of India’s private sector and heralds a new chapter in the nation’s ambitious space endeavours.
Agencies