ISpA, France’s GIFAS sign pact to drive sustainable growth, promote innovation in space industry – ET Telecom | Satcom

NEW DELHI: The Indian Space Association (ISpA) and GIFAS Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster sustainable growth, promote innovation, and advocate the adoption of new technologies in France and India space industries.GIFAS is the French Aerospace Industries Association which is aimed to enhance the understanding of space industry capabilities and increase awareness of business opportunities in France and India.

The pact signed today at the ‘Indian Space Conclave 2023’, organised by ISpA, will serve as an extension to the already flourishing Indo-French relationship in the space sector and augment the individual and collective membership bases of the organisations through the “benefit of greater international linkages for the members”.

The partnership will also help facilitate academic and educational program exchanges between both organizations that encompass training at all levels.

“The MoU signed with ISpA underscores our shared commitment to strengthening industry collaboration and fostering an environment of innovation, business development, and sound policy regulation. The convergence of public and private sectors is set to redefine the landscape of the space sector, and India and France are poised to lead this transformation,” said Cédric Post, Deputy Director International, European and Commercial Affairs, GIFAS.

“The convergence of French and Indian leadership underscores the profound significance of space exploration. Space is playing a pivotal role in the battle against climate change, it is evident that our shared future lies among the stars,” said Astronaut Thomas Pesquet, European Space Agency.

“As we engage in profound discussions on sustainable development, disaster management, business domains, and geospatial policy, we recognize the transformative potential that the space sector holds for the betterment of humanity. Additionally, the imminent release of FDI rules will further incentivize foreign investments,” said S Somanath, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

“France has been a steadfast friend, and today’s MoU with GIFAS, the French Aerospace Industries Association, reaffirms our commitment to strengthening industry collaboration between our two nations. Together, we shall continue to push the boundaries of space exploration and unlock the limitless possibilities that await us,” said AK Bhatt, Director-General, ISpA.