Union Budget 2025-26 Fuels India's Astronomical Ambitions with Major Funding Push
India's growing prominence in astronomy research has received a substantial policy and financial boost from the central government, with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing support for four significant projects in the Union Budget 2025–26. The initiatives aim to enhance both research capabilities and public science outreach, marking a strategic investment in the country's scientific infrastructure.
Four Key Projects to Transform Indian Astronomy
The Budget outlines support for the National Large Solar Telescope (NLST), the National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope (NLOT), an upgrade of the Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT), and the COSMOS-2 planetarium. During her Budget speech in Parliament, Sitharaman emphasized that these facilities would "promote Astrophysics and Astronomy via immersive experiences." While specific allocations for each project remain undisclosed, the Budget provides Rs 1,623.87 crore in assistance to autonomous bodies, including the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru, which will lead implementation.
Strategic Locations and Advanced Capabilities
The NLST will be situated near Pangong Lake in Ladakh, a location identified by IIA as ideal due to its high altitude, optimal conditions for optical and near-infrared observations, and periods of "coronagraphic skies" with high transparency. The NLOT, planned as a larger 10-12 metre facility in Hanle, Ladakh, will operate across optical and infrared wavelengths, enabling observations of distant galaxies, star-forming regions, and exoplanets. Hanle has emerged as India's principal astronomy site, thanks to its clear skies, low atmospheric moisture, and minimal light pollution.
The HCT, operational in Hanle since 2000 and used for studying variable stars, supernovae, and active galaxies, is slated for upgrades to extend its capabilities. Meanwhile, COSMOS-2 will be established in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, as an education and outreach facility featuring digital projection systems and interactive exhibits. IIA has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Andhra Pradesh government for this project.
Boosting Research and Retaining Talent
Scientists from institutions like the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) and the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) have welcomed the announcement, noting its potential to significantly enhance India's ability to conduct frontline research domestically. This move could reduce dependence on overseas observatories, encourage students to pursue advanced research within India, attract global collaborations, and help retain young scientific talent.
Professor Raghunathan Srianand, director of IUCAA, highlighted that the concept of a National Large Optical and Infrared Telescope gained momentum after India developed key technologies through its involvement in the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project. He suggested that agencies like the Department of Science and Technology (DST) or National Research Foundation (NRF) might now request detailed reports from institutions to advance these initiatives.
Complementing Existing Infrastructure
Yashwant Gupta, centre director at NCRA, praised the government's recognition of Indian astronomy's achievements, noting that the HCT upgrade and new large optical telescopes will complement existing world-class facilities like the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). Additionally, IIA is nearing completion of COSMOS-1 in Mysuru, described as "the world's first independent 8K resolution LED dome planetarium," representing a significant leap in planetarium technology.
This comprehensive funding push underscores India's commitment to advancing astronomical research and education, positioning the country as a key player in global scientific endeavors.
