ISRO and the European Space Agency (ESA) have extended their long-standing cooperation agreement until January 8, 2032, expanding the scope of their partnership to include new areas of space exploration and technology. The extension was formalised through an exchange of letters signed in Paris on September 10, 2026, during the International Space Summit.
The cooperation framework, which came into force in January 2002, has supported joint work in Earth observation, satellite navigation, space science and mission operations. The updated agreement now specifically covers space weather, human and robotic exploration and the sustainable use of outer space.
The move builds on growing cooperation between the two agencies in human spaceflight. In 2025, ISRO and ESA signed a Joint Statement of Intent covering human space exploration, including potential collaboration involving low Earth orbit and future lunar activities.
ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan said the renewed framework would support scientific research, technological innovation and expanded international cooperation in space.
The agreement comes as India and Europe pursue wider ambitions in human spaceflight, lunar and planetary exploration, Earth observation and space sustainability. The extended framework is expected to provide a basis for future joint programmes through 2032.
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