The Indian Space Association (ISpA) and the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS) signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve understanding of space industry capabilities and raise awareness of business opportunities in France and India at the second chapter of the Indian Space Conclave 2023 in the national capital, according to a press release from the Indian Space Association.

The first day was dedicated to India-France space collaboration. Representatives from the French and Indian space industries, entrepreneurs, and government officials attended the event. The relationship will develop sustainable growth, stimulate innovation, and advocate for the adoption of innovative technologies in the space industries of France and India.

The MoU will act as an extension to the already flourishing Indo-French relationship in the space sector and augment the organization's individual and collective membership bases through the benefit of greater international linkages for the members, it read.

As the interest in the space sector increases among students worldwide, the partnership will also help facilitate academic and educational program exchanges between both organizations that encompass training at all levels, the official release stated. Following the conclave, a three-day exhibition will take place with 24 exhibitors from major space companies and academic institutions displaying their goods and offerings.

Thierry Mathou, Ambassador-Designate of France in India, and Governor Shekhar Dutt, SM (Retd), Former Defence Secretary and Governor of Chhatisgarh, opened the show. Meanwhile, in his introductory remarks, Lt General AK Bhatt (Retd), Director General of the Indian Space Association, stated that the dawn of a new age in space is upon us, with the Indian commercial space industry having the ability to play a crucial role in every element of the space sector.