US Ambassador Sergio Gor on Monday hailed the evolution of the India-US space partnership from cooperation to ‘co-creation,’ with the two countries co-designing instruments, co-funding startups, and co-authoring the future of human discovery.
Speaking at the Bengaluru Space Expo 2026, Gor said, “A few weeks ago, at the 9th U.S.-India Civil Space Joint Working Group, right here in Bengaluru, we saw profound transformation taking place. Those discussions affirmed that our partnership is no longer just about cooperation; it is about co-creation. We are no longer just sharing data; we are co-designing instruments, co-funding startups, and co-authoring the future of human discovery.”
He said space had emerged as an engine of the global economy.
“Space is no longer a luxury for national pride; today it is the engine of the 21st-century global economy. It powers our navigation, it secures our communications, it trains our artificial intelligence, and it accelerates advanced manufacturing,” the US envoy said.
India-US Space Partnership Combines Complementary Strengths
Highlighting the strengths of both countries, Gor said, “In this modern-day space race, the United States brings world-class private capital and mature commercial ecosystems. India brings world-class engineering, extraordinary scientific talent, and a fearless startup sector.”
“The resulting partnership creates a new dream team that can and will do wonders,” he added.
Space at the Centre of US-India TRUST Initiative
Gor also said space was at the centre of the TRUST initiative established by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“President Trump and Prime Minister Modi recognised this synergy when they established the TRUST initiative — Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology. And space sits directly at the centre of TRUST,” he said.
He further said the US had launched the TRUST Fellowship and was expanding the US Commercial Service in Bengaluru to strengthen commercial ties between American companies and Indian innovators.
India-US Ties Expanding Across Trade, Pharma, Technology and Defence
Gor said the broader India-US relationship was advancing across multiple sectors, including trade, pharma, technology and military cooperation.
“Pick any sector, and the United States and India are working on it, and working at levels that were previously unthinkable. Whether that’s our bilateral trade, which today exceeds $240 billion, whether that’s pharma, technology, military cooperation, or anything else, we are working hand in hand,” added Gor.
Bengaluru is hosting the three-day Space Expo, which features an International Conference and Exhibition themed “Harnessing Space for Global Progress: Innovation, Policy, and Growth.”
The exhibition provides an opportunity for Indian and international space agencies to showcase their capabilities, while the conference highlights key initiatives by the Government of India, ISRO, IN-SPACe and NSIL to empower start-ups, academia and industry in advancing the space sector.
-with ANI inputs
