As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India this week, a breakthrough agreement quietly marked one of the most consequential developments for India’s future in space exploration: Moscow has agreed to a 100% transfer of technology for its advanced RD-191M semi-cryogenic rocket engines to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The deal injects momentum into India’s long-standing quest for next-generation propulsion systems, positioning the country to leapfrog into the league of heavy-lift and reusable rocket technologies. Advertisement

Shift beyond cryogenics

For decades, India’s rockets have relied on cryogenic engines, which operate using ultra-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. While powerful, cryogenic systems are technologically demanding and pose major engine

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