Yes, you read that right. During a recent visit to Auckland, PM Modi publicly acknowledged that Kiwi tech played a role in the mission’s success; a detail almost nobody noticed. While the world celebrated India becoming the first nation to touch down near the lunar south pole, few realized that behind the scenes, a New Zealand space startup was helping power that victory. This isn’t just a diplomatic nicety; it’s a sign of how India’s space ambitions are now globally collaborative. With the space economy projected to hit $45 billion in a decade, partnerships like this could redefine who gets to ride the next wave of space innovation. The lesson? The future of space isn’t owned by one nation. It’s built by many; and India’s playing its cards smarter than ever.