US-India Space Ties Enter Co-Creation Era at Bengaluru Expo
US Ambassador Sergio Gor says India-US space ties are moving from cooperation to co-creation, with joint missions and commercial ventures at the fore.
The ninth Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX) 2026 opened on Monday with a clear signal that the India-US space relationship is entering a deeper phase of collaboration. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, inaugurating the US pavilion at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, said the partnership now centres on co-creation — jointly designing instruments, funding start-ups, and shaping the future of space exploration.
"We are no longer just sharing data. We are co-designing instruments, co-funding start-ups, and co-authoring the future of human discovery," Gor said. He reiterated NASA's invitation to ISRO to join its Moon base programme, expressing a desire to have India "by its side on the lunar surface." He also stressed the importance of open, rules-based governance of space amid rising international competition.
The US delegation featured major commercial space firms, including Amazon Leo, BlackSky, IONQ (Capella Space), L3 Harris, Pellucere Technologies, Vantor Inc., VAST Space, Viasat, and Voyager Technologies. Their presence is expected to open doors for Indian start-ups seeking partnerships, investment, and access to global markets.
Other space-faring nations also showcased their interests. Australian High Commissioner Philip Green highlighted the complementary strengths of Australia and India, noting, "We have the things you don't, and you have the things we don't." Italian Ambassador Antonio Bartoli pointed to Italy's advanced manufacturing expertise and Europe's long space legacy, with a large Italian delegation present to explore ties with India's private space industry.
On the domestic side, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan and IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka outlined policy priorities for expanding commercial space activity. A recurring theme was the shift from technology transfer to joint ventures and deeper co-development, enabling Indian firms to access global supply chains.
Karnataka's Secretary for IT and Biotechnology, N. Manjula, underscored the state's vibrant innovation ecosystem. A technical session chaired by Anupam Sharma of the Ministry of Defence and DRDO examined opportunities for private companies in surveillance, intelligence, and secure communications for defence. Industry participants included Bellatrix Aerospace co-founder Yash Karanam.
The exhibition floor reflected India's widening space ecosystem. The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) displayed student innovations and incubated start-ups. Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) pitched aerospace clusters to attract global manufacturers.
With international delegations, private firms, and government agencies converging, the opening day underscored India's transition from a space-service provider to a key partner in the global commercial space economy.