BENGALURU, India (Diya TV) — India and the United States are set to deepen cooperation in space after NASA invited the Indian Space Research Organisation to join its Moon Base program.
The two countries discussed human spaceflight, lunar exploration, scientific research and commercial space activities. They also reviewed ongoing joint projects and explored new areas for cooperation.
U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor announced the NASA invitation on Tuesday. He said the move would strengthen the U.S.-India partnership in deep space exploration.
“NASA has invited ISRO to join its Moon Base program, deepening the U.S.-India deep space partnership,” Gor said in a post on X.
The talks took place Aug. 5 and 6 at ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru. Officials from ISRO, NASA and the U.S. State Department took part in the two-day meeting.
The meeting marked the ninth Civil Space Joint Working Group between India and the United States. The group helps both countries review space cooperation and identify new opportunities.
The Moon Base proposal adds a new dimension to the growing partnership. It also builds on cooperation under the Artemis Accords. The framework encourages countries to work together on peaceful exploration of the Moon and future missions beyond it.
India and the United States also agreed to continue talks on sharing open scientific data under the Artemis framework. In addition, officials explored possible partnerships in space science, advanced technology and human spaceflight.
The discussions followed the successful launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar mission, known as NISAR. The joint mission represents one of the most important space projects between the two countries.
NISAR uses radar technology to study changes on Earth’s surface. The mission can help scientists track natural hazards, changes in ecosystems, and environmental developments.
Meanwhile, space sustainability also remained a key part of the talks. India and the United States reaffirmed their support for international guidelines on responsible space activity.
Both countries reviewed work through the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, or COPUOS. The committee works to promote peaceful space activity and strengthen international cooperation.
The discussions also focused on improving global space governance. As more countries and private companies expand their space programs, officials face growing challenges involving responsible behavior and long-term sustainability.
The two countries have not announced specific details about ISRO’s possible role in the Moon Base program.
