Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation on Wednesday said that India has attained anti-satellite capability, becoming the fourth such country in the world. He said that the mission was completed within 3 minutes and destroyed a low-earth orbiting satellite some 300 km away in the sky.
PM Modi said that presently India have enough satellites that are contributing in various segments such as agriculture, disaster management, communication, weather, navigation etc. He said that it is important for India to progress and be ready for the future. Earlier in the day, he had tweeted, “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.”
The address comes two weeks ahead of first phase of Lok Sabha elections. The seven-phased elections are set to begin on April 11 and will end on May 19. Counting of votes is set to take place on May 23. PM Modi will begin a new phase of campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Western Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. He will also address a massive rally at Meerut, aimed at garnering public support for the BJP in eight seats across western Uttar Pradesh.
Mission Shakti is special for 2 reasons. One, India is only the fourth country to acquire such a specialised and modern capability and two, the entire effort is indigenous.
PM Modi said in a tweet after his address to the nation said that India stands tall as a space power! It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony.
PM Modi said the Mission Shakti was a highly complex one, conducted at extremely high speed with remarkable precision. This shows the remarkable dexterity of India’s outstanding scientists and the success of our space programme.
