he 4th India-USA Space and Geospatial Business Summit, held on Monday in Hyderabad, spotlighted technology, policy alignment, and advanced manufacturing as key drivers for fostering bilateral collaboration. The event, organized by the Geospatial World Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Geospatial World, brought together government officials, industry leaders, academics, and researchers to explore the potential of geospatial and space sectors for innovation, economic growth, and sustainability.
With bilateral trade in geospatial and space technologies projected to quadruple—from $2.5 billion in 2024 to $10 billion by 2030—the summit emphasized shared investments and collaboration as vital for achieving global advancements.
India’s Growing Geospatial Prowess
Sanjay Kumar, CEO of Geospatial World, highlighted India’s emergence as a global hub for cost-effective geospatial services.
“The COVID-19 pandemic showcased the transformative power of geospatial technologies, enabling solutions that transcend borders. The partnership between India and the U.S. spans multiple sectors, including trade, defense, education, and healthcare, forming a robust framework for innovation,” Kumar said.
India’s strengths in delivering cost-efficient solutions complement the U.S.’s leadership in cutting-edge technologies, creating a formidable partnership for driving global geospatial advancements.
Hyderabad: A Global Leader in Geospatial Data Processing
Jennifer Larson, U.S. Consul General in Hyderabad, underscored the city’s prominence in geospatial data processing, stating:
“Hyderabad processes more geospatial data than anywhere else in the world. Our joint initiatives in space exploration and geospatial technologies are addressing critical global challenges, including climate change, disaster management, and food security.”
She also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in enhancing geospatial analyses to solve complex global issues.
“This partnership is about more than economic growth—it’s about leveraging technologies to improve lives and ensure sustainability. By the next summit, we hope to see bold advancements in areas like visa facilitation and expanded space cooperation,” Larson added.
Advancing Bilateral Cooperation
Discussions at the summit delved into actionable strategies, including technology transfer, advanced manufacturing of geospatial equipment, and strengthening India’s position as a global solution provider.
Dr. Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical) of IN-SPACe, highlighted the NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) Mission, describing it as a prime example of synergy between the two nations. He noted the role of India’s National Geospatial Policy (2022) and Space Policy (2023) in catalyzing the industry’s growth.
“The global Earth Observation industry, growing at 16% CAGR, is projected to reach $8 billion. India is set to play a pivotal role in this expansion,” Dr. Jyoti said.
Empowering India’s Private Sector
Srikant Sastri, Chairman of the Geospatial Data Promotion & Development Committee (GDPDC), highlighted the transformative impact of the National Geospatial Policy 2022, which empowers private players to acquire, store, and process spatial data.
“By overhauling India’s mapping and data infrastructure, we are driving modernization and stimulating private-sector demand for geospatial data, products, and services. This positions geospatial technology as a cornerstone of India-U.S. economic and strategic collaboration,” Sastri explained.
The summit concluded with a call for enhanced research collaborations, streamlined frameworks for technology transfer, and stronger networks connecting businesses, governments, and research institutions. By fostering innovation and bilateral cooperation, the India-USA partnership aims to lead the way in addressing global challenges while achieving sustainable growth in the space and geospatial sectors.
