Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers.
“In the journey of every nation there are moments that bringutmost pride and have a historic impact on generations to come. One such momentis today,” he said in an unprecedented broadcast to the nation on television,radio and social media.
“India has successfully tested the Anti-Satellite (ASAT)Missile. Congratulations to everyone on the success of #MissionShakti,” theprime minister tweeted later.
He said the action was not directed against any country andthe satellite was a pre-determined target orbiting at an altitude of 300 km.
The prime minister did not say who owned the satellite butadded that India does not breach any international laws or treaties.
Mission Shakti, which was led by the Defence Research andDevelopment Organisation, was aimed at strengthening India’s overall security,he said in his address that comes a fortnight before the start of the generalelection.
The last time Modi had addressed the nation was November 8,2016 when he announced the demonetisation of high value currency notes.
“#MissionShakti was a highly complex one, conducted atextremely high speed with remarkable precision. It shows the remarkable dexterity of India’s outstandingscientists and the success of our space programme,” Modi said.
“Shooting down a low earth orbit satellite is a rareachievement for the country,” he said.
India is only the fourth country to acquire such aspecialised and modern capability after the US, Russia and China. The”entire effort is indigenous. India’s stands tall as a space power. Itwill make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace andharmony”, Modi said.
The prime minister had advertised his address to the nationon Twitter, calling it an important message.
“Do watch the address on television, radio or socialmedia,” he said, setting off speculation across the country on what thetopic was likely to be.
Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Security had met at the prime minister’s residence.