New Delhi | August 25, 2026 | INFRAINTEL Bureau
(Mid-Day)
Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh has questioned the Union government’s plans for the future role of the Indian Space Research Organisation, alleging that an aggressive privatisation drive could weaken the public space agency.
Ramesh said recent reports about changes in ISRO’s role had raised concerns over the future of an institution whose scientific, technological and operational capabilities were built over six decades.
He recalled the contribution of Vikram Sarabhai, Satish Dhawan, Brahm Prakash, U. R. Rao, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and successive generations of scientists and technologists to India’s space programme.
The Congress leader alleged that ISRO’s role in rocket development and manufacturing could be reduced and that satellite-related assets might be transferred to private companies. He also questioned whether a private operator could be given responsibility for the proposed second spaceport in Tamil Nadu after substantial public investment.
Ramesh sought clarity on the long-term status of the Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh and claimed that between 100 and 120 key professionals had left ISRO in recent months. The available report did not provide independent confirmation of the number, reasons for departure or the government’s response to the allegation.
While supporting encouragement for space startups, he argued that private-sector growth should not come at the cost of ISRO’s institutional capacity. He also urged former heads of the agency to speak publicly on the proposed direction of policy.
Government reforms have expanded private investment and participation in India’s space sector while ISRO continues to lead research, technology development and major national missions.
The central policy question is not simply public versus private participation, but the division of responsibility between them. Greater transparency is required on asset ownership, intellectual property, workforce retention, mission assurance, public investment, procurement and the strategic capabilities that must remain under sovereign control.