- MoU Signed Between DSCI and SIA-India on Day 1 of DefSat 2025
- Space Economy Handbook launched
- AI and Space-Driven Strategies for Modern Warfare showcased
By Sangeeta Saxena
New Delhi. 08 January 2025. The inaugural day of DefSat 2025, held from 8–10 January 2025 at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt, marked a significant milestone for India’s ambitions in accelerating space and defence modernization. With the theme “Integrated Space Capabilities for Multi-Domain Operations,” the three-day event brought together over 500 distinguished delegates from government, defence, space, technology, homeland security, and international embassies. The seminar highlighted the transformative role of disruptive space technologies in modern warfare across land, maritime, aerospace, cyberspace, and homeland security.
Keynote Speeches and Industry Insights
Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President of SIA-India and CMD of Ananth Technologies, set the tone by emphasizing the critical juncture at which DefSat 2025 arrives. He highlighted India’s accelerating space growth and defence modernization, projecting a 14–16% CAGR for these sectors. Dr. Pavuluri remarked on the strategic importance of space technology, reflected in the ₹25,000 crore allocated for Defence Space Investments and ₹23,855 crore for DRDO in FY 2024-25.
Anil Prakash, Director General of SIA-India, underscored the Indian space industry’s evolution through its collaboration with ISRO’s strategic missions. He emphasized that platforms like DefSat showcase India’s readiness to leap forward by working with defence, homeland security, and global stakeholders to drive innovation and strategic advantage.
For the first time, the convergence of space technology and homeland security took center stage at DefSat 2025, heralding a safer and more interconnected future.
MoU Signing and Collaborative Initiatives
A major highlight of the inaugural day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and SIA-India. This partnership aims to:
Strengthen satellite communications
- Advance specialized skill-building
- Promote cybersecurity in the Indian space industry
- Conduct market research and foster collaborations
Speaking on the occasion, Vinayak Godse, CEO of DSCI, emphasized the need to democratize cybersecurity, positioning India as a global hub for secure and resilient digital ecosystems, especially with the increasing involvement of private players in the space sector.
Launch of the Space Economy Handbook
The event also witnessed the launch of the Space Economy Handbook, a collaborative effort by SIA-India and Gateway Consulting. The handbook provides a comprehensive overview of India’s evolving space sector, covering regulatory frameworks, commercial opportunities, and private sector authorizations. It serves as an essential resource for global stakeholders exploring India’s vibrant space industry.
AVM Pawan Kumar, DG of the Defence Space Agency, discussed the strategic importance of satellites in modern warfare, citing the Russia-Ukraine conflict as the first “space war.” He stressed the need for resilience in defence space capabilities to maintain strategic superiority.
Lt. Gen. (Dr.) PJS Pannu emphasized the significance of space as a critical multiplier in modern military strategies. He highlighted the importance of mastering the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) in both space and terrestrial conflicts, urging swift and strategic decision-making to address the militarization of space.
Technical Exhibitions and Industry Participation
DefSat Exposition 2025 was graced by prominent industry players, including Ananth Technologies, Planet Labs, Safran, GalaxEye, Dhruva Space, and ReOrbit. The event also received robust support from key entities such as NSIL, DRDO, MoD, the Aeronautical Society of India, and RIS.
Day 1 highlights included sessions on AI-Enabled Mosaic Warfare, Space-Powered Maritime Strategies, and Military-Grade Certification Standards for the defense space sector. Exclusive technical showcases by companies like Safran, Planet Labs, C2C Advanced Systems, and Ananth Technologies, fostering collaboration between startups and established players.
With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and strategic advancements, DefSat 2025 is poised to significantly impact India’s space and defence modernization journey. Day 1 at DefSat 2025, reflecting the dynamic interplay between industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future of India’s defence and space sectors.
