India’s Space Ambitions Face a New Challenge: Trump’s Tariffs

Skyroot Aerospace, one of India’s top space startups, just completed a key engine test — but now faces a new obstacle: potential 50% US tariffs on Indian imports announced by President Donald Trump.

Skyroot aims to provide low-cost satellite launches and works closely with US partners like Axiom Space. Just last month, US-India space ties hit a high point: a $1.2B joint satellite launch and an Indian astronaut’s debut aboard a SpaceX mission.

But with Trump’s rhetoric heating up, the geopolitical outlook is shifting fast.

Skyroot says tariffs on goods won’t affect its core business, but experts warn: deeper tensions could impact US investments, critical components, and cross-border tech collaboration."If this turns into economic coercion, India’s space startups could be hit hard," says ORF fellow Chaitanya Giri.

Skyroot made history in 2022 with India’s first private rocket launch, but has since delayed its first orbital flight — now aiming for late 2025. Meanwhile, Chinese startups have already reached orbit, widening the tech gap.

CEO Pawan Chandana remains optimistic but cautious: We expect failures. That’s how we learn.

Skyroot stresses that space is a strategic sector, and hopes US-India cooperation will endure — even if trade ties wobble. But as Modi reaffirms ties with Putin, the global alignment may be shifting.

A promising launch window for India’s space startups — now clouded by politics.

Source : India’s Space Startups Face Risks From Trump Tariffs