The Geosynchronous Satetllite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is intended to eventually launch Insat-type satellites for India, to make India less dependent on foreign rockets for Insat launches. The GSLV improves on the performance of the PSLV with the addition of liquid strap-on boosters and a cryogenic upper stage. The solid first and liquid second stages are carried over from the PSLV. The GSLV will initially use a cryogenic upper stage supplied by Russia, having ordered 7 upper stages. India originally tried to buy the technology to build a cryogenic upper stage from Russia, but under pressure from the United States, that technology was not provided. Therefore, India, has been working on developing a cryogenic upper stage for the past seven years.

The GSLV uses four L40 liquid strap-on boosters and can place approximately 5000 kg (11,000 lbm) into an easterly LEO orbit. Using the Russian KVD-1 cryogenic upper stage, GSLV can place 2200 kg (4,850 lbm) into a 18 degree GTO orbit.