India Expands Use of NavIC Navigation System Across Key Sectors
The Department of Space (DoS) has intensified efforts to promote the wider adoption of India’s indigenous navigation system, NavIC, across multiple sectors. According to an official statement released by the Press Information Bureau on 10 December 2025, the department is supporting pilot projects, technology transfers, and standardisation initiatives aimed at integrating NavIC into both national and international industry frameworks.
Growing Industry Adoption
As part of this initiative, DoS has actively engaged with Indian industry partners to provide technical assistance, testing facilities, and utilisation programmes. These efforts have contributed to growing compatibility between NavIC and consumer technology, with over 60 smartphone models from various manufacturers now supporting the satellite-based system.
NavIC—short for Navigation with Indian Constellation—is designed to provide precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services across India and a surrounding region extending up to 1,500 kilometres. Its expanding ecosystem highlights India’s progress towards greater technological self-reliance in satellite navigation.
Pilot Projects and Applications
Several large-scale pilot projects have already demonstrated NavIC’s practical benefits. These include:
Real-time train tracking: More than 10,000 trains are equipped with NavIC-enabled devices, allowing continuous monitoring and improved operational efficiency.
Fishing vessel tracking: Over 30,000 fishing vessels have installed NavIC-based transponders, enhancing maritime safety and coastal security.
Vehicle tracking: More than 140 certified device models using NavIC are now fitted in over 1.5 million public and commercial vehicles, supporting improved fleet management and transport monitoring.
Time synchronisation: Secondary timescales have been set up using NavIC receivers to disseminate a uniform Indian Standard Time (IST) nationwide.
Policy and Global Collaboration
While the government has not yet mandated the use of NavIC in commercial systems, discussions are underway to assess the feasibility of such a move. DoS has worked to ensure NavIC’s inclusion in international navigation standards, facilitating its seamless integration into global systems.
NavIC’s civilian signals remain open for all users within its coverage area, allowing developers and industries to integrate its capabilities into their applications freely. Moreover, the DoS continues to collaborate with global GNSS service providers to enhance interoperability and ensure coordinated signal management.
The growing reach of NavIC underscores India’s commitment to developing secure, reliable, and home-grown satellite navigation infrastructure that supports both strategic and civilian needs.
with inputs from PIB Delhi