Space, AI, Quantum Tech Convergence Key to Future Geopolitics: Shekhawat

Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Sunday said the convergence of space technology, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, robotics, semiconductors and high-performance computing would play a decisive role in determining a nation’s geopolitical position and economic strength.

Addressing the 3rd National Space Day event organised by the Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO and the Department of Science, Shekhawat said technological boundaries were rapidly disappearing as different fields increasingly integrated.

He said the nation capable of harnessing this convergence would gain not only technological leadership in the 21st century, but also greater economic influence and the ability to inspire others.

Shekhawat also defended greater private participation in India’s space sector, saying it should not be viewed as diminishing the importance of established institutions such as ISRO. He described the opening of the sector to private companies and startups as the “democratisation of space opportunities.”

He said the creation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) had provided an institutional framework to promote, authorise and supervise private participation. The sector, he added, had moved from an organisation-centric model to an ecosystem-centric approach involving industry, startups, academia and investors.

The minister also flagged emerging challenges, including space debris, cybersecurity, data security and responsible use of artificial intelligence, warning that future geopolitical competition could increasingly focus on disrupting technological capabilities.

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan recalled Chandrayaan-3’s historic soft landing near the Moon’s south pole on August 23, 2023, which led to the observance of National Space Day.

Narayanan said India now has around 440 space startups following the 2020 sectoral reforms. He highlighted upcoming missions including Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5, Mars and Venus missions, and plans to launch more than 300 satellites over six to seven years. India also aims to establish an Indian Space Station by 2035.