US-India Space Forum in Bengaluru Revitalizes TRUST Initiative Following 2026 Trade Agreement
A pivotal US-India space forum convened in Bengaluru this week, drawing significant momentum from the recently announced 2026 trade agreement and the reviving Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology (TRUST) initiative. This gathering marks a critical step in enhancing bilateral cooperation in the high-tech space sector, with participation from 14 US companies eager to explore commercial opportunities in India's liberalized space industry.
TRUST Initiative Gains New Life Post-Trade Standoff Resolution
The TRUST initiative, a strategic technology partnership announced by US President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Modi in February 2025, had faced challenges during a trade standoff in late 2025. However, the recent trade deal has injected fresh energy into this framework, which builds upon the earlier US-India Initiative on Capital and Emerging Technology (ICET) from the Biden administration. Janice Starzyk, deputy director of the Office of Space Commerce at the US Department of Commerce, emphasized that the forum's timing is optimal, capitalizing on the renewed trade climate that promotes reciprocal market access and supports high-tech trade sectors.
"Launched exactly one year ago, TRUST has become the cornerstone of our high-tech collaboration, treating space as a critical node in a larger ecosystem encompassing artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and secure supply chains," Starzyk stated during the forum's inaugural session. She highlighted that this collaboration addresses regulatory hurdles, such as arms control regimes that restrict dual-use technology trade, paving the way for smoother commercial exchanges.
Indian Space Liberalization Sets Stage for Enhanced Partnerships
Swarnashree Rajashekhar, joint secretary at the Department of Space and Indian co-chair of the space commerce sub-working group, outlined how India's 2023 space policy and regulatory frameworks have created a conducive environment for public-private partnerships with US firms. "India's liberalization of its space industry through the new space policy of 2023 has established a solid foundation for collaboration," she remarked, noting that both governments actively support accelerating commercial space cooperation.
Rajashekhar detailed four key focus areas identified in previous Indo-US Civil Space Joint Working Group meetings:
- Developing a mutual understanding of government procurement processes in both nations.
- Addressing challenges posed by control regimes.
- Facilitating market access for goods and services.
- Aligning approaches to investment regulations and foreign direct investment policies.
She further emphasized the Indian space industry's eagerness to partner with US companies, suggesting measures like streamlining export control processes under International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to reduce licensing delays and improve technology access.
Forum Highlights FDI, Startup Ecosystems, and Historical Context
The two-day India-US business forum featured expert panel discussions on topics ranging from foreign direct investment in space policy to nurturing space startup ecosystems and building a robust space economy. Carey Arun, acting consul general and principal commercial officer at the US consulate general in Chennai, noted the presence of representatives from 14 American space companies on a pioneering trade mission to India.
"It was one year ago today that President Trump and PM Modi committed to commercial space collaboration during their White House meeting in February 2025," Arun recalled, citing milestones such as the Axiom 4 mission, which transported an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station via a SpaceX rocket, and the launch of the NASA-ISRO satellite NISAR by ISRO.
ISRO Chairman Advocates for Global Collaboration and Support
Dr. V Narayanan, ISRO chairman and secretary of the Department of Space, delivered a keynote address underscoring India's openness to private collaborations within governmental frameworks. "I strongly believe space is common for the entire global community. There may be some strategic applications, but for everything we have to work together," he asserted, aligning with Prime Minister Modi's vision of fostering a vibrant industrial ecosystem.
Dr. Narayanan highlighted India's readiness to both receive and provide support, emphasizing the country's flexible policies under the Government of India to hand-hold industries in manufacturing and design. This approach builds on historical partnerships, such as the Indo-US nuclear deal of 2008 and the Technology Safeguards Agreement of 2009, which have previously facilitated space sector collaborations, including the launch of private US satellites by ISRO.
Regulatory Reforms and Future Prospects
In early 2025, changes to the US Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) export policy were announced during a visit by US National Security Adviser Jack Sullivan, responding to India's 2023 space policy that opens all sectors to private participation. These adjustments are expected to boost commercial and civil space partnerships by reducing barriers to technology licensing and co-development.
A statement from last year indicated that these MTCR updates will enable more US companies to engage in India's space sector, spanning satellite construction to launch vehicle development. This regulatory evolution, combined with the forum's discussions, signals a promising future for US-India space cooperation, driven by mutual economic and strategic interests.
