Hosting of 20^th International Committee on GNSS (ICG-20), Goa, India.
Home / Hosting of 20^th International Committee on GNSS (ICG-20), Goa, India.

November 13, 2026

International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG), established in 2005 under the umbrella of the United Nations is an important forum to promote voluntary cooperation on matters of mutual interest related to civil satellite-based positioning, navigation, timing, and value-added services.

ISRO/DoS had the privilege to host the 20^th annual meeting of ICG (ICG-20) from October 25 to 30, 2026 along with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) at Goa, India. The meeting had in-person participation of 263 delegates, including 176 foreign delegates from 20 countries, and online participation of 84 delegates. The delegates included international and national experts in the field of space technology, satellite navigation, timing, geodesy, and allied disciplines.

Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO, was the Chief Guest for the inaugural function. Ms. Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of UNOOSA addressed the meeting via video message. Shri. M. Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary, ISRO welcomed the delegates and expressed his appreciation for the dedicated efforts of all ICG members, associate members, observers, working groups, the Providers' Forum, and the UNOOSA. He mentioned that India had the privilege to be one of the founding members of the ICG and that the Providers' Forum was established during the second meeting of the ICG in 2007 held in Bangalore, India. Shri. D.K. Singh, Director URSC gave introductory remarks on the ICG forum and its significance in the domain of satellite navigation. Ms. Sharafat Gadimova, UNOOSA and Shri. P S Sura, Programme Director Satellite Navigation Programme Office, ISRO were also part of the inaugural function.

Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO delivered the keynote address. He presented an overview of the Indian space programme with specific emphasis on the evolution of navigation programme in India and the benefits to the common citizens. He appreciated the significant contributions of all major GNSS service providers. He apprised the delegates about the upcoming launch of NVS-03, and remarked that the coincidence of this mission with ICG-20 meeting offers a timely reminder of the close relationship between technological progress at the national level and cooperation at the international level. He mentioned that space sector reforms rolled out by the Government of India has led to the emergence of 440+ space start-ups in India. He further noted that many of these start-ups are contributing in the field of satellite navigation.

The meeting spanned over a period of 6 days starting with the Providers’ Forum on October 25, opening plenary session on October 26, parallel meetings of five working groups on October 27 – 28, applications and experts’ seminar on the subject “High-precision mass market applications (PPP and RTK integration)” on October 29, and concluding plenary sessions on October 29 – 30. Dr. Manish Saxena, Director Satellite Communication and Navigation Programme Office, ISRO chaired the Providers’ Forum and Shri. P S Sura, ISRO chaired the ICG-20 meetings. The meeting deliberations had productive exchanges. The meeting adopted 11 recommendations on various topics related to navigation systems, technologies, and applications. The meeting also adopted summary report of the Providers’ Forum and joint statement of the ICG. Bilateral meetings were held on the sidelines of the event. Indian industry and startups working in the field of satellite navigation showcased their indigenous technologies and solutions to the international community.

ICG-20 proved itself as an effective platform for promoting cooperation, compatibility, interoperability, and transparency in the field of civil satellite-based PNT and value-added services.