India became the fourth country to land an unmanned probe on the moon on August 23, 2023, with its Chandrayaan-3 mission, underscoring its ambition as a key international space player. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's space policy has also become a security pillar, demonstrated by its 2019 anti-satellite weapon test.
India plans to send humans into space by 2027 and conduct a crewed lunar mission by 2040, alongside a permanent space station, reflecting its quest for great power status. The country's space program, historically focused on development, now prioritizes economic interests, aiming to grow its 2% global market share, and security interests, particularly deterrence against China and reducing technological dependence. India also seeks regional influence through initiatives like the South Asia Satellite. International shifts, including the ISS's announced end in 2030 and renewed great power rivalries, enhance India's appeal as a diversification partner for nations like Germany and the EU, who seek strategic autonomy.
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