Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the latest edition of Mann Ki Baat, highlighted India's achievements in defence, space, sports, and environmental conservation. He praised the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri, advances in missile systems, growing defence exports, and the successful private-sector launch of the Vikram-1 rocket.

The Prime Minister also reviewed the flood situation in Assam, assuring full central support for ongoing rescue and relief efforts. Meanwhile, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that he will not contest the 2028 Assembly elections, citing his age and health.

PM Modi Highlights India's Defence & Space Growth | Assam Flood | Siddaramaiah's Big Announcement

As Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched the Vikram-1 rocket, making history by developing India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled the team to join the celebrations, lauding the historic feat as a pivotal step in India's space journey, now powered by private players.&nbsp;"You have made India proud," the prime minister told Skyroot Aerospace founders Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka.&nbsp;Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 has successfully reached orbit, marking the maiden flight of India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket.&nbsp;Modi asserted that this landmark achievement would strengthen the country's space ambitions and inspire a whole new generation of innovators. "You have not only planted a new tree in space, but a new root has also been strengthened on the ground to inspire the new generation."&nbsp;Expressing his desire to be with the young team during the launch, PM Modi revealed that he had been closely tracking the mission.&nbsp;"I wanted to be there with the young team. I was closely tracking the launch and congratulate your entire team on this remarkable success. It was truly heartening to see that most of your team members are just 25 to 30 years old. That made me especially happy," PM Modi said.&nbsp;Adding a personal touch to the mission, Vikram-1 carried one of its most symbolic payloads -- a handwritten postcard by PM Modi bearing the words "Vande Mataram." The message travelled alongside dozens of handwritten postcards from Skyroot employees, investors, policymakers, scientists and well-wishers from around the world.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-first-private-orbital-rocket-vikram-1-successfully-lifts-off-from-sriharikota-1784360535292">India's first private orbital rocket, Vikram-1, successfully lifts off from Sriharikota; PM Modi congratulates</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">PM <a href="https://x.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> makes a telephonic call to team <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Vikram1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikram1</a> (Skyroot Aerospace) for the successful launch of 🇮🇳India’s first private orbital rocket under <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/MissionAagaman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionAagaman</a>.<a href="https://x.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a>। <a href="https://x.com/DrJitendraSingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrJitendraSingh</a>। <a href="https://x.com/moesgoi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moesgoi</a>। <a href="https://x.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> ।<a href="https://x.com/MIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MIB_India</a>। <a href="https://x.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> । <a href="https://x.com/SkyrootA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SkyrootA</a> <a href="https://t.co/oCIHPlaEIr">pic.twitter.com/oCIHPlaEIr</a>&mdash; All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://x.com/airnewsalerts/status/2078379971761045947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Later, in a post on X, PM Modi described the successful launch of Vikram-1 as a "defining moment" in India's space journey.&nbsp;"This is a defining moment in India’s space journey. The growing participation of our private sector is opening new frontiers and accelerating innovation.&nbsp;This achievement will encourage countless youngsters to dream bigger and innovate fearlessly," he said in a post on X.&nbsp;External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar also hailed the successful launch of Vikram-1, calling it a historic moment for India's space sector.&nbsp;In a post on X, Jaishankar said the launch of "India's first privately developed launch vehicle" by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace was "truly historic".&nbsp;"India's space ambitions soar to new heights! The successful launch of #Vikram1, India's first privately developed launch vehicle, by #SkyrootAerospace @SkyrootA today is truly historic. The rocket is a reflection of what can be achieved when the innovation and entrepreneurial drive of India's youth are backed by the bold reforms of PM @narendramodi's vision," EAM Jaishankar wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Skyroot Aerospace after the successful Vikram-1 launch, calling India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket a defining milestone in the country's space journey.

As Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched the Vikram-1 rocket, making history by developing India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled the team to join the celebrations, lauding the historic feat as a pivotal step in India's space journey, now powered by private players. "You have made India proud," the prime minister told Skyroot Aerospace founders Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka. Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 has successfully reached orbit, marking the maiden flight of India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket. Modi asserted that this landmark achievement would strengthen the country's space ambitions and inspire a whole new generation of innovators. "You have not only planted a new tree in space, but a new root has also been strengthened on the ground to inspire the new generation." Expressing his desire to be with the young team during the launch, PM Modi revealed that he had been closely tracking the mission. "I wanted to be there with the young team. I was closely tracking the launch and congratulate your entire team on this remarkable success. It was truly heartening to see that most of your team members are just 25 to 30 years old. That made me especially happy," PM Modi said. Adding a personal touch to the mission, Vikram-1 carried one of its most symbolic payloads -- a handwritten postcard by PM Modi bearing the words "Vande Mataram." The message travelled alongside dozens of handwritten postcards from Skyroot employees, investors, policymakers, scientists and well-wishers from around the world. Also Read: India's first private orbital rocket, Vikram-1, successfully lifts off from Sriharikota; PM Modi congratulates

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Skyroot Aerospace after the successful Vikram-1 launch, calling India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket a defining milestone in the country's space journey.

Watch | PM Modi dials Skyroot founders after successful Vikram-1 launch; here's what he told them

As India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, stands ready on the launch pad at Sriharikota, the milestone carries more than just Indian ingenuity. It shows a deepening partnership with Singapore, whose sovereign wealth funds have provided critical financial muscle to propel the Hyderabad-based startup into the global small-satellite launch market. Scheduled to launch soon for its maiden test flight, Mission Aagaman ("Arrival"), the Vikram-1 aims to place payloads of up to 350 kg into a 450 km low Earth orbit at 60 degrees inclination. The four-stage, carbon-composite rocket, named after India's space pioneer Dr Vikram Sarabhai, features indigenously developed 3D-printed engines and solid-fuel boosters. Success would mark the first time a privately built Indian vehicle has reached orbit, opening doors for cost-effective, dedicated launches. Singapore's role is pivotal. Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), Singapore's sovereign wealth fund managing national reserves, co-led a funding round that elevated Skyroot's valuation. Earlier backing from Temasek, a Singaporean state-owned multinational investment firm, further bolstered the company. These investments reflect Singapore's calculated push into high-growth frontier technologies, positioning the city-state as among the key financiers in India's burgeoning private space sector.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Singapore-India ties are reaching for the stars! 🚀 Backed by GIC &amp; <a href="https://x.com/Temasek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Temasek</a>, <a href="https://x.com/SkyrootA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SkyrootA</a> is set to make India’s first private orbital launch. Praying for <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Vikram1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikram1</a>&#39;s success! 🙏 HC Wong<a href="https://x.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> <a href="https://x.com/INSPACeIND?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INSPACeIND</a> <a href="https://x.com/DrJitendraSingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrJitendraSingh</a> <a href="https://x.com/PawanKChandana?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PawanKChandana</a> <a href="https://x.com/bharathdaka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bharathdaka</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/MissionAagaman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionAagaman</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SpaceTech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpaceTech</a> <a href="https://t.co/h70XywFaYo">pic.twitter.com/h70XywFaYo</a>&mdash; Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) <a href="https://x.com/SGinIndia/status/2077957745006063822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Singapore High Commissioner Simon Wong captured the sentiment ahead of the launch, offering a special prayer and declaring, "Singapore-India ties are reaching for the stars!". Space has long been a cornerstone of India-Singapore science and technology cooperation. ISRO launched more than 20 Singaporean satellites, making Singapore one of ISRO's top foreign customers.&nbsp; In September 2025, during Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's visit to Delhi, the two nations signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding on space collaboration. Witnessed by PMs Modi and Wong, the agreement between India's IN-SPACe and Singapore's Office for Space Technology &amp; Industry (OSTIn) promotes joint work in policy, industry development, research, Earth observation, and satellite communications.&nbsp; "We will expand cooperation in frontier areas like space," PM Wong declared. "Through the MOU... we will broaden this partnership and push the boundaries of what we can achieve together." For Skyroot, founded in 2018 by former ISRO scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, the launch represents validation after suborbital successes. The company eyes frequent, affordable missions to serve global demand for small-satellite rideshares.&nbsp; Singapore's involvement, from funding to future potential satellite launches, highlights pragmatic synergy: India's launch expertise and talent pool paired with Singapore's capital, and innovation ecosystem. As the countdown proceeds at Sriharikota, Vikram-1 embodies more than a technical feat - it is the arrival of private enterprise in India's space story, with Singapore firmly along.

Singapore's sovereign wealth funds have emerged as key backers of Skyroot Aerospace, providing crucial funding as India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1, prepares for its maiden launch.

As India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, stands ready on the launch pad at Sriharikota, the milestone carries more than just Indian ingenuity. It shows a deepening partnership with Singapore, whose sovereign wealth funds have provided critical financial muscle to propel the Hyderabad-based startup into the global small-satellite launch market. Scheduled to launch soon for its maiden test flight, Mission Aagaman ("Arrival"), the Vikram-1 aims to place payloads of up to 350 kg into a 450 km low Earth orbit at 60 degrees inclination. The four-stage, carbon-composite rocket, named after India's space pioneer Dr Vikram Sarabhai, features indigenously developed 3D-printed engines and solid-fuel boosters. Success would mark the first time a privately built Indian vehicle has reached orbit, opening doors for cost-effective, dedicated launches. Singapore's role is pivotal. Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), Singapore's sovereign wealth fund managing national reserves, co-led a funding round that elevated Skyroot's valuation. Earlier backing from Temasek, a Singaporean state-owned multinational investment firm, further bolstered the company. These investments reflect Singapore's calculated push into high-growth frontier technologies, positioning the city-state as among the key financiers in India's burgeoning private space sector.

Singapore's sovereign wealth funds have emerged as key backers of Skyroot Aerospace, providing crucial funding as India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1, prepares for its maiden launch.

With all eyes on Vikram-1, Singapore's wealth fund and investment body fuels India's private space era

Skyroot Aerospace is set to achieve a milestone, creating history with the maiden launch of Vikram-1, marking India's first privately owned orbital-class rocket, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 18. The Mission, named Aagaman, aims to validate the rocket's performance ahead of its commercial operations debut. If the launch succeeds, it will become the first instance of an Indian private company placing a rocket into orbit from Indian soil, marking a major milestone in the country's rapidly growing India's private space industry after recent policy reforms.&nbsp;In 2020, the Government of India introduced sweeping reforms in the space sector, opening the field to greater participation of non-governmental entities (NGEs) in enabling them to undertake end-to-end activities in the space domain on an equal footing. Building on these reforms, the government introduced the Indian Space Policy 2023 to provide a clear regulatory framework and foster a vibrant space ecosystem. The policy seeks to strengthen India's space capabilities, promote commercial participation, drive technological innovation, expand international cooperation, and accelerate the adoption of space-based applications across sectors.&nbsp;The vision of the reform was to augment space capabilities allowing to enable, enabling, encouraging, and developing a rising commercial presence in space; using space as a driver of technology development and fetching benefits in allied areas; pursuing international relations, along with creating an ecosystem for effective implementation of space applications among all stakeholders.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacex-aborts-starship-launch-seconds-before-liftoff-after-engine-failure-elon-musk-says-next-attempt-next-week-1784275988606">SpaceX aborts Starship launch seconds before liftoff after engine failure; Elon Musk says next attempt next week</a><h3>How have private companies changed India's space ecosystem?</h3>Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, confirmed that the space economy has risen to an estimated $8.4 billion, with 399 start-ups now operating across launch vehicles, satellites, propulsion systems and space-grade electronics. The reforms formulated a conducive environment for private investment and entrepreneurship in a sector that had remained largely government-driven for more than 10 years. This resulted in the rise of the space start-ups, which have increased sharply from single-digit levels to 399 at present. It has also prompted the space sector to be valued at about $8.4 billion, which is likely to grow four to five times over the next eight to ten years, potentially reaching $40–45 billion. The Minister also underscored the revenue generated after the launch of foreign satellites. He noted that out of the 434 foreign satellites launched by ISRO so far, 399 were launched after 2014, earning India revenues of nearly € 323 million and $233 million. This growth has reflected the country’s growing presence in the global space launch market. The proposed change is transitioning from a “Supply-Based Model” to a “Demand-Based Model”. In addition, it will also help ISRO to carry out capacity building in the space domain through the development of new technologies and capabilities, allowing the sharing of facilities by NewSpace India Limited &nbsp;(NSIL) and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).<h3>NGEs to play a larger role</h3>Further in future, the policy encourages Non-Government Entities (NGEs) to play a larger role in India's space sector by allowing them to provide a wide range of commercial space services. They can offer satellite-based communication services using their own, leased or procured satellites, establish and operate ground infrastructure such as satellite control centres and tracking stations, and use both Indian and foreign orbital resources. NGEs are also permitted to develop and operate remote-sensing satellite systems, distribute satellite data and related applications, and commercialise technologies in navigation, communication and remote sensing. The framework allows private companies to manufacture and operate launch vehicles, build launch infrastructure, and develop reusable and advanced space transportation technologies. They can also strengthen space situational awareness, conduct research and innovation for the long-term sustainability of space activities, and provide end-to-end services for safe space operations. Additionally, the policy permits commercial recovery, ownership, transport, use and sale of asteroids or other space resources in accordance with Indian laws and international obligations, while enabling participation in other commercial space activities approved by IN-SPACe.

The Government of India introduced sweeping reforms in the space sector in 2020, opening the field to greater participation of non-governmental entities (NGEs) in enabling them to undertake end-to-end activities in the space domain on an equal footing.

Skyroot Aerospace is set to achieve a milestone, creating history with the maiden launch of Vikram-1, marking India's first privately owned orbital-class rocket, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 18. The Mission, named Aagaman, aims to validate the rocket's performance ahead of its commercial operations debut. If the launch succeeds, it will become the first instance of an Indian private company placing a rocket into orbit from Indian soil, marking a major milestone in the country's rapidly growing India's private space industry after recent policy reforms. In 2020, the Government of India introduced sweeping reforms in the space sector, opening the field to greater participation of non-governmental entities (NGEs) in enabling them to undertake end-to-end activities in the space domain on an equal footing. Building on these reforms, the government introduced the Indian Space Policy 2023 to provide a clear regulatory framework and foster a vibrant space ecosystem. The policy seeks to strengthen India's space capabilities, promote commercial participation, drive technological innovation, expand international cooperation, and accelerate the adoption of space-based applications across sectors. The vision of the reform was to augment space capabilities allowing to enable, enabling, encouraging, and developing a rising commercial presence in space; using space as a driver of technology development and fetching benefits in allied areas; pursuing international relations, along with creating an ecosystem for effective implementation of space applications among all stakeholders. Also read: SpaceX aborts Starship launch seconds before liftoff after engine failure; Elon Musk says next attempt next week How have private companies changed India's space ecosystem? Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, confirmed that the space economy has risen to an estimated $8.4 billion, with 399 start-ups now operating across launch vehicles, satellites, propulsion systems and space-grade electronics. The reforms formulated a conducive environment for private investment and entrepreneurship in a sector that had remained largely government-driven for more than 10 years. This resulted in the rise of the space start-ups, which have increased sharply from single-digit levels to 399 at present. It has also prompted the space sector to be valued at about $8.4 billion, which is likely to grow four to five times over the next eight to ten years, potentially reaching $40–45 billion. The Minister also underscored the revenue generated after the launch of foreign satellites. He noted that out of the 434 foreign satellites launched by ISRO so far, 399 were launched after 2014, earning India revenues of nearly € 323 million and $233 million. This growth has reflected the country’s growing presence in the global space launch market. The proposed change is transitioning from a “Supply-Based Model” to a “Demand-Based Model”. In addition, it will also help ISRO to carry out capacity building in the space domain through the development of new technologies and capabilities, allowing the sharing of facilities by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). NGEs to play a larger role Further in future, the policy encourages Non-Government Entities (NGEs) to play a larger role in India's space sector by allowing them to provide a wide range of commercial space services. They can offer satellite-based communication services using their own, leased or procured satellites, establish and operate ground infrastructure such as satellite control centres and tracking stations, and use both Indian and foreign orbital resources. NGEs are also permitted to develop and operate remote-sensing satellite systems, distribute satellite data and related applications, and commercialise technologies in navigation, communication and remote sensing. The framework allows private companies to manufacture and operate launch vehicles, build launch infrastructure, and develop reusable and advanced space transportation technologies. They can also strengthen space situational awareness, conduct research and innovation for the long-term sustainability of space activities, and provide end-to-end services for safe space operations. Additionally, the policy permits commercial recovery, ownership, transport, use and sale of asteroids or other space resources in accordance with Indian laws and international obligations, while enabling participation in other commercial space activities approved by IN-SPACe.

The Government of India introduced sweeping reforms in the space sector in 2020, opening the field to greater participation of non-governmental entities (NGEs) in enabling them to undertake end-to-end activities in the space domain on an equal footing.

How is opening India's space sector to private firms transforming the industry? EXPLAINED

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PM Modi Highlights India's Defence & Space Growth | Assam Flood | Siddaramaiah's Big Announcement

PM Modi dails Skyroot founders after Vikram-1 launch; here's what he told them

With Vikram-1 in focus, Singapore wealth fund backs India's space ambitions

How is opening India's space sector to private firms transforming the industry?