Northeast India Could Become Strategic Gateway for India’s Space Economy, Says SIA India

Guwahati workshop examines space enabled connectivity, disaster response, manufacturing and startup opportunities, with a Centre for Space Entrepreneurship proposed for Assam

Northeast India could take on a larger role in the country’s growing space economy by using its geography, institutional capabilities and proximity to Southeast Asia to develop space based applications, businesses and technical expertise, according to discussions at the Northeast India Space Workshop 2026.
The workshop, titled “Leveraging Space Technology: Regional Transformation to Global Reach”, was organised by the Space Industry Association of India, SIA India, in partnership with the North Eastern Space Applications Centre, NESAC.
The first day examined opportunities beyond using space technology for regional development. Discussions covered satellite connectivity, disaster preparedness, Earth observation, geospatial intelligence, manufacturing, national security and opportunities for regional startups and skilled professionals.

Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President, SIA India, said the organisation was taking its national space industry discussions beyond New Delhi for the first time.
“This is more than a change of location; it is a change in perspective. India’s space economy is becoming more distributed, more private and more application driven, and our conversations must travel to where new opportunities, challenges, talent and enterprises are emerging,” Dr. Pavuluri said.
Participants also discussed developing a Vision 2030 for the Northeast’s participation in India’s New Space economy, including the potential for Assam to serve as an economic and institutional centre for the region.

“The question before us is not simply what the Northeast will look like in 2030, but what vision we must build today to shape its journey towards 2047,” said Shri Satinder Kumar Bhalla, ITS, Secretary, North Eastern Council.
Another area of discussion was the integration of satellite communications, Earth observation, geospatial intelligence and space derived data into regional planning and public services.
Shri Pallav Gopal Jha, Secretary, Science and Technology, Government of Assam, said the value of space technology should be assessed by how effectively information reaches people responsible for taking action.
“The real challenge is bridging the gap between knowledge and action, ensuring that this information reaches citizens, officials and ground workers in time, so they have the knowledge and the opportunity to prepare and respond,” Shri Jha said.

The workshop also examined opportunities for MSMEs, startups and local businesses to participate in space and semiconductor manufacturing.
Participants discussed the infrastructure, skills, investment and policy support that would be required to develop supply chains and technical capabilities within the region.
Dr. S. P. Agarwal, Director, North Eastern Space Applications Centre, said the Northeast’s importance extends beyond its geographical share of the country.
“The Northeast may account for only about 8% of India’s geographical area, but its strategic and natural significance is far greater,” Dr. Agarwal said.

He called for the region to develop its own space based solutions through startups, local innovation and indigenous capabilities rather than functioning only as a user of existing technologies.
The Northeast’s location was also discussed in the context of India’s links with Southeast Asia and the wider Indo Pacific region.
Its difficult terrain and exposure to natural disasters could provide conditions for testing applications involving satellite connectivity, disaster response, Earth observation, geospatial intelligence and border awareness.
Shri Anil Prakash, Director General, SIA India, said regional businesses and technical talent should eventually be able to take locally developed solutions to markets outside the Northeast.

“Our focus is not only on bringing solutions into the region, but on enabling the talent and enterprises of the Northeast to create, develop and take those solutions to the rest of the world,” Shri Prakash said.
SIA India is also working with the Software Technology Parks of India and the Government of Assam on a proposed Centre for Space Entrepreneurship in Assam.
According to the information provided, the centre is intended to give startups and innovators access to mentorship, industry networks, technical knowledge and market connections.
It is also expected to establish links with the Centre of Excellence in Space Technology in Bengaluru, allowing regional entrepreneurs to interact with established participants in India’s space technology sector.

The workshop included policymakers, government officials, representatives from space institutions, defence and security specialists and industry participants.
Among those named as participants were Shri Satinder Kumar Bhalla, Secretary, North Eastern Council; Shri Pallav Gopal Jha, Secretary, Science and Technology, Government of Assam; Dr. S. P. Agarwal, Director, NESAC; Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President, SIA India; Shri Anil Prakash, Director General, SIA India; Lt Gen Rana Kalita, former Commander, Eastern Command; Dr. Nayanjyoti Goswami, Managing Director, AISF; and Dr. Saraj J. Saikia, Managing Director, Spacefaring Technologie.
Representatives from BSNL, Hughes Communications India, Gilat Satellite Networks, KPMG India, XDLINX Space Labs and GalaxEye were also part of the workshop.
Day Two is scheduled to include Hon’ble Governor of Tripura Shri Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, adding another state level perspective to discussions on the Northeast’s participation in India’s space sector.

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