Ahead of India–US talks, IN-SPACe asks space startups to flag regulatory roadblocks

The information has been sought ahead of the Civil Space Joint Working Group, Commercial Space Sub-working Group meetings

• IN-SPACe seeks feedback from Indian space firms on US regulatory hurdles
• Input will guide India's stance at upcoming space commerce meetings with the US
• Key areas: export controls, licensing, and trusted supplier recognition

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India’s space regulator and promoter, the Indian Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has sought input from Indian space companies on the regulatory hurdles they face while doing business in the United States, as New Delhi prepares for key engagements with Washington on space commerce, sources said.

According to sources, IN-SPACe said the feedback would support India's position at the Civil Space Joint Working Group and the Commercial Space Sub-working Group meetings with the US government. These forums focus on strengthening cooperation and addressing barriers affecting cross-border space trade and joint missions.

A questionnaire has been circulated to the industry which seeks detailed responses on regulatory and licensing obstacles encountered by Indian firms selling space hardware, software and services to US customers.

These include issues related to export licences, payload approvals, data restrictions and certification requirements.

A key area of focus is the impact of US export control regimes such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and rules governing the use of US-origin components.

IN-SPACe has asked companies to highlight what specific relaxations or clarifications could improve the process of making deals with American partners.

According to sources, IN-SPACe has also asked which US approval processes, including launch permissions, satellite licensing, and so on could be reformed to encourage stronger India–US partnerships.

Startups have also been asked to suggest mechanisms that could help Indian firms be recognised as "trusted suppliers" for sensitive US space supply chains. These include certifications, secure facilities, compliance frameworks and audit systems.

Companies have also been asked whether India's current intellectual property, data-sharing and co-development rules are flexible to support research and development with US firms.

This outreach by IN-SPACe marks a shift by New Delhi to translate diplomatic goodwill into market access for Indian firms. By gathering empirical data on US regulatory bottlenecks, India is arming itself with the evidence needed to challenge legacy export controls and licensing barriers at upcoming trade talks.