The Congress on Monday (August 24, 2026) criticised the Modi government over what it described as an aggressive privatisation agenda in India’s space programme, questioning whether ISRO role is being weakened in the process.
Congress general secretary for communications Jairam Ramesh raised concerns over recent reports about the future role of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and argued that encouraging private space startups should not come at the expense of the country’s premier space agency.
Ramesh used strong language, asking why ISRO should be strangulated and emasculated in the name of promoting private participation in the sector.
The remarks come amid India’s broader push to expand the role of private companies in space activities. Supporters of greater private-sector participation argue that startups can bring additional investment, innovation and commercial opportunities to the sector, while critics have raised questions about the balance between private enterprise and ISRO established responsibilities.
At the heart of the political dispute is therefore a larger question: how should India divide responsibilities between ISRO and an expanding private space industry without weakening the capabilities of its national space agency?
The Congress has framed the issue as a matter of protecting ISRO institutional strength, while the government space sector reforms have sought to create greater opportunities for private players.
The debate is likely to continue as India expands its ambitions in space and attempts to build a larger commercial space ecosystem.