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A recent statement by Pawan Goenka, chairperson of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), about the future of India’s space programme caused a controversy. In an unprecedented move, associations of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists expressed their concerns. Though both Goenka and ISRO promptly clarified the statement and denied any plans for privatisation of the space agency, the episode points to critical policy gaps. It has deep implications not just for ISRO but for all scientific agencies and the overall direction of research and development (R&D) in India.