US wants India by its side on Moon, Sergio Gor says

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor praised the India-United States collaboration in the space sector during the Space Expo 2026 in Bengaluru, a month after NASA extended an invitation to India's Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to join its Moon Base program. Gor emphasized that the United States is determined to return to the Moon and welcomes India as a partner on the lunar surface. He urged Indian space entrepreneurs to explore the American market.

Gor highlighted that the two nations complement each other's strengths, with the US providing private capital and an established commercial sector, while India contributes engineering expertise, scientific talent, and a burgeoning startup ecosystem. He stated that space has become a crucial driver of the 21st-century global economy, powering navigation, communication, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.

Gor specifically mentioned the NISAR mission as a testament to the collaborative potential of the India-US partnership. He pointed out that NASA and ISRO did not construct a monument to scientific theory, but rather a "lifesaver" that successfully navigated through dense cloud cover and dust to guide emergency responders to the site of a devastating earthquake in Venezuela. This example of joint technology saving lives in real time demonstrates the tangible benefits of their combined efforts.

During his visit, Gor met with ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan to discuss further strengthening the India-US space cooperation, including potential involvement in human spaceflight programs. Gor expressed optimism about the partnership's potential to reach new heights, both literally and figuratively, as they work together on the Moon and beyond.