The ministry of external affairs said on Wednesday that India “successfully” carried out an anti-satellite missile test to verify its capability to safeguard space assets and it was not directed against any country.
The ministry also said India has no intention of enteringinto an arms race in outer space and it has been maintaining that space must beused only for peaceful purposes.
“The test is not directed against any country. India’s spacecapabilities do not threaten any
country and nor are they directed against anyone,” the MEAsaid in a 10-point explainer on the anti-satellite missile test.
Explaining significance of the test, the MEA said India hassuccessfully demonstrated its capability to interdict and intercept a satellitein outer space based on complete indigenous technology.
The satellite used in the mission was one of India’sexisting satellites operating in lower orbit while a ballistic missile defenceinterceptor was used to hit it.
“We are against weaponization of outer space andsupport international efforts to reinforce the safety and security of spacebased assets,” the MEA said.
At the same time, it said the government was committed toensuring the country’s national security interests and is alert to threats fromemerging technologies.
“The capability achieved through the anti-satellitemissile test provides credible deterrence against threats to our growingspace-based assets from long range missiles, and proliferation in the types andnumbers of missiles,” the MEA said in the FAQ.
The MEA said the test was done in the lower atmosphere toensure that there is no space debris. “Whatever debris that is generatedwill decay and fall back onto the earth within weeks.”
By conducting the test, the MEA said, India was not in violation of any international law or treaty to which it is a party to or any national obligation.