Northeast India is poised to play a crucial role in India’s growing space technology ecosystem, moving beyond being users of space-based technologies to becoming developers, testing grounds and emerging markets for innovative solutions, Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu said on Thursday.
The Governor was speaking at the Northeast India Space Workshop 2026, held at FREMAA, AWC, Guwahati, on the theme “Leveraging Space Technology: Regional Transformation to Global Reach.”
The workshop was organised by the Space Industry Association of India (SIA-India) in partnership with the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC).
Governor Nallu said the Northeast’s unique geographical and developmental challenges offer significant opportunities to harness space technology for transformative growth. He highlighted its potential in improving public services, connectivity, agriculture, disaster management and sustainable development.
He said Tripura and other Northeastern states could move from the periphery to the forefront of India’s space technology journey by developing solutions that are scalable, sustainable and transformative.
Highlighting Tripura’s achievements, the Governor said the state had launched the Northeast’s first Digital Forest Rights Act (FRA) Atlas with the Tripura Space Applications Centre (TSAC) serving as the technology and knowledge partner.
He described the initiative as more than a technological achievement, saying it reflected Tripura’s commitment to protecting the rights and interests of tribal communities through scientific planning, technology-driven governance and inclusive development.
The Governor also stressed that geospatial and space-based technologies could improve transparency, efficiency and informed decision-making in implementing the Forest Rights Act.
Held as part of National Space Day celebrations, the workshop brought together government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, academicians, startups and international partners. Discussions focused on using space applications to accelerate socio-economic development, strengthen public service delivery, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for young people.
The programme featured addresses by senior officials and experts, including SIA-India President Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, Assam Science and Technology Secretary Pallav Kumar Jha and Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary Dr Srinivas Rao. SIA-India Director General Anil Prakash proposed the vote of thanks.
