ISpA and GIFAS signed an MoU to enhance understanding of space industry capabilities and increase awareness of business opportunities in France and India….reports Asian Lite News
India and France’s collaboration in the field of space can drive the two countries forward to reach new heights and explore new frontiers, said French Ambassador-designate Thierry Mathou on Monday.
The 2nd edition of the annual Indian Space Conclave organised by the Indian Space Association (ISpA) kicked off in the national capital on Monday. The first day was dedicated to India-France collaboration in the space sector. The event was attended by representatives of French and Indian space industry leaders, startups and government officials.
At an event to celebrate France’s participation as the Country of Honour at the Indian Space Conclave 2023, the envoy stated that this is a new beginning of a strategic partnership.
His remarks come hours after the signing of a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India’s premier industry association of space and satellite companies, ISpA, and GIFAS, the French Aerospace Industries Association.
“We have gathered to celebrate the success of this event. I am convinced that this trip is the beginning of a new strategic partnership with India,” Thierry Mathou said.
“Let’s forge together the spirit of collaboration that drives us forward. Together we can reach new heights, explore the new frontier, and make the impossible possible as India did in an outstanding manner in August with Isro’s successful Chandrayan III mission,” he said.
ISpA and GIFAS signed an MoU to enhance understanding of space industry capabilities and increase awareness of business opportunities in France and India.
The envoy hailed the signing of the MoU, saying: “It exemplifies the essence of collaboration and innovation between the business-space association of both countries.”
The collaboration will help foster sustainable growth, promote innovation and advocate the adoption of new technologies in France and India’s space industries, a release said.
The MoU will act as an extension to the already flourishing Indo-French relationship in the space sector and augment the individual and collective membership bases of the organizations through the benefit of greater international linkages for the members, it read.
As the interest towards the space sector increases among students across the world, the partnership will also help facilitate academic and educational program exchanges between both organizations that encompass training at all levels, the official release stated.
The Indo-French space collaboration has achieved significant milestones in recent years. Both nations have joined forces for India’s ambitious human spaceflight initiative named Gaganyaan, with France contributing to areas like space medicine and astronaut health as well as supplying CNES flight systems. Also, France’s participation in ISRO’s upcoming Venus mission in 2025 marks another significant leap, opening new avenues for international cooperation in space exploration. Both countries also pledged to enhance collaboration between their startup ecosystems, fostering innovation in the space sector. (ANI)