So even if isro makes profits commercially its never going to be large enough to sponsor a manned space mission?
Btw ididnot get ur last line that having no space program is not an option for a big country like india. Launching ur own satellites ,developing staellite launch vehicles is an understandable thing because every country should seek self dependency in these areas. But what indias size has to do with space missions?
But about space exploration missions , i frankly dont believe humans are going to inhabit other palnets and not nay time soon. Any space program that could offer u leaps in defence area , should be pursued cause after all national security matters , like some people said some mars missions involved vehicles or space boosters technology which is similar to MRLV tech, but otherwise i find these space or mars exploration missions futile specially for a country like india riddled with poverty issues. Some people say the data gathered form these space missions serves as a huge service to entire scientific community and helps in further future space discoveries, but the point remains how does all that data colelctoon benefit a common man on the street.
I personally find many space exploration missions specially aimed at Mars sent by even west as waste infact gross waste of money. To me such missions are more of a show of wealth and are extravagance that could be afforded by cash rich western states. And In case of india its more about prestige and gaining respect in worlds eyes oh see we have sent missions even though the data gathered from those missions is yet to elevate the economical status of a common indian man.