US Opens Its Doors to Indian Space Startups, Says Ambassador Sergio Gor

New Delhi – Speaking to a packed hall of innovators at the Bengaluru Space Expo, U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor made it crystal clear: the United States is now actively courting Indian space startups. He said the American market isn’t just open – it’s watching, ready to back bold ideas that can help power the next wave of lunar exploration.

“NASA has officially invited ISRO to join us in the Moon‑base program,” Gor announced, his voice echoing through the venue. “Make no mistake – we are going back to the Moon and we want India by our side on the lunar surface.” The invitation, he added, isn’t a token gesture; it’s an invitation to co‑design instruments, co‑fund ventures and co‑author the future of human discovery.

Turning his attention to the entrepreneurs in the room, the ambassador said, “To every Indian space entrepreneur here, the American market is open to you. Our investors are watching you. Our ecosystems welcome you.” He noted that the ninth US‑India Civil Space Joint Working Group had cemented a shift from simple cooperation to true co‑creation, a change he believes will accelerate both countries’ ambitions.

Gor also painted a bigger picture, insisting that space is no longer a luxury or a matter of national pride alone. “Space is becoming an engine of the global economy,” he said, pointing to its role in navigation, communications, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. In his view, space now drives the 21st‑century economy, and the U.S. sees Indian talent as a vital part of that engine.

Beyond the space sector, Gor used the occasion to tout broader U.S.–India economic ties. After a meeting with Amazon executives, he posted on X that “American innovation is a powerful force around the world” and emphasized the need to expand opportunities for U.S. businesses in India. He also reflected on the historic partnership, noting that “across South India, our collaboration is driving innovation, expanding investment and strengthening critical supply chains,” a sentiment he shared while marking 250 years of American independence.

In short, the message was simple and hopeful: the United States wants Indian space startups at the table, and American capital is ready to back the next generation of lunar and beyond‑Earth ventures.