What happened?
On August 29, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the agreement between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for the Chandrayaan-5 mission. The mission, part of the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) programme, will target the moon’s south pole to study hidden resources such as lunar water. Under the agreement, JAXA will launch the mission aboard its H3-24L rocket carrying an ISRO-made lander and a Japan-made rover, while both sides will contribute scientific instruments. The deal was announced after PM Modi’s talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit in Tokyo.
Why it matters to India
The Chandrayaan-5 mission is a landmark step in India’s lunar exploration journey after Chandrayaan-3’s historic south pole landing in 2023. By joining hands with Japan, India gains access to advanced technology, boosts its scientific capacity, and strengthens its standing as a global space power. The partnership not only enhances India’s ability to tap into lunar resources like water ice, which could be critical for future human settlements, but also fosters cooperation between industries and startups in both nations. For India, this mission is a key milestone toward its long-term vision of sending astronauts to the Moon by 2040.