In his latest Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the rapid rise of India’s space startup ecosystem, noting that the sector now has over 200 startups — a significant jump from fewer than 50 just five years ago.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came during the July 27 radio broadcast, in which he celebrated India’s growing self-reliance and innovation. “The road to a Viksit Bharat goes through self-reliance, and ‘vocal for local’ is the foundation of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.

PM Modi also praised astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s recent return from space, describing the event as a proud and emotional moment for the nation. “As soon as Shubhanshu landed safely, a wave of joy swept across the country. It filled every Indian heart with pride,” he said, adding that interest in space science is growing rapidly among the country’s youth.

Looking ahead to National Space Day on August 23, the Prime Minister invited citizens to share ideas on how to celebrate the occasion. He emphasized the importance of fostering scientific curiosity, pointing to Indian students’ recent achievements in global Chemistry and Mathematics Olympiads as proof of the nation’s rising talent.

In a separate announcement, Modi also acknowledged a cultural milestone — the recognition of 12 Maratha forts as UNESCO World Heritage sites, calling them enduring symbols of India’s history, vision, and bravery.

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