Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had joined the elite club of space powers by shooting down a low-orbit satellite within just three minutes with an anti-satellite missile, demonstrating its technical capability. The only three other members of the space super league are US, Russia and China.
“There can be no greater pride for the country,” PM Modi said in an address to the nation.
“This is a big moment for India. Something that all of us should be proud of. We are not just capable to defend on land, water and air, but now also in space. I congratulate all scientists who have made this possible and made India a much stronger nation,” he added.
He had tweeted that he would address the nation with an “important message”. It is unusual for a Prime Minister to address the nation in the middle of the campaign for the national election next month, when a code of conduct is in place.
“Today I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 AM – 12.00 noon with an important message. Do watch the address on television, radio or social media,” PM Modi had tweeted earlier.
Speculation peaked as it emerged that the PM had met top ministers in the cabinet security panel at his residence in the morning.
This post was published on March 27, 2019