Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged India’s space startups and entrepreneurs to explore how space technology can contribute to agriculture, livestock management, dairy, environment and other areas that directly impact everyday lives. He suggested that companies working on space debris could partner with environmental organisations to scale up their solutions, while space technology firms working in agriculture could collaborate with agricultural universities and government departments to help farmers make better-informed decisions and improve output.Sharing glimpses of his meeting with CEOs and founders of 20 space startups at Seva Teerth, he said the country’s private space ecosystem could become a major force for India and the world."It was wonderful to meet the Yuva Urja of India’s space sector…young entrepreneurs and innovators who have shown remarkable courage by entering a new and demanding domain. They have taken risks, trusted the reform process and remained consistent in their efforts. Due to this, India has achieved a lot in the space sector in the last few years," he said in a post on X.He also encouraged startups to engage with Atal Tinkering Labs, spark curiosity among school children and inspire the next generation to participate in the space sector.He assured space startups that Indian government will continue to stand with them as they build India’s capabilities for the future. The country can offer the world a strong, innovative and commercially viable model in the space sector, he said.— narendramodi (@narendramodi) The prime minister also called for greater collaboration between space startups and companies in other sectors to expand the applications of space technologies.He said India should build an ecosystem where the world looks towards the country when it thinks of space, further adding that the domestic space sector could become a magnet for global talent, companies and investment.The interaction brought together CEOs and founders of 20 space startups working across areas including rocket and reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicles, satellites, avionics, advanced propulsion, space and defence intelligence, space-debris removal and AI-powered weather and climate intelligence.The startup leaders highlighted the rapid progress of India's private space industry and said they had invested significant time and effort in developing capabilities and technologies indigenously. They also credited government support and collaboration within the industry for helping build highly motivated teams and advance ambitious plans.The entrepreneurs said the opening up of the space sector to private participation had generated significant enthusiasm and created new opportunities for industry. They also noted that several companies had expressed interest in adopting technologies developed by India's emerging private space industry.PM Modi congratulated the founders for taking the lead in a new and demanding sector, saying their confidence had strengthened the government's vision behind opening the space sector to private participation. He noted that many countries either lack the ability or do not wish to invest in the space sector, creating a major opportunity for India to strengthen its position in the global space industry.The interaction saw participation from 20 space startups working in space sector including Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, GalaxEye, PierSight, Bellatrix Aerospace, Digantara, SatSure, Suhora Technologies, Manastu Space, Astrobase, TakeMe2Space, VyomIC, Cosmoserve Space, OrbitAID Aerospace, SkyServe (Hyspace), Serendipity Space, Vassar Labs and mistEO.