New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said that India had for the first time used an anti-satellite missile and shot down a live satellite 300 km in space.
“Until now, only three countries in the world had this capability…America, Russia and China,” Modi said in a televised address to the nation. “Now India is the fourth country to achieve this. This is a proud moment for every Indian.”
Modi said that this capability would strengthen the security of the country and was not targeted at any others.
He said just a little while earlier, Indian scientists had targeted and shot down a pre-determined low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite using an ASAT or anti-satellite missile.
“Mission Shakti” lasted three minutes and was a tough operation which used state-of-the-art technology, Modi said, adding that all objectives of the mission were met.
“I would like to congratulate all DRDO scientists and others who were involved in this mission…for this extraordinary success,” the PM said. “We are proud of our scientists.”
Modi said that at the same time he would also like to assure the rest of the world that this test did not violate any international treaties and pacts and India remained committed to its opposition to weaponisation of space.
He said this was a defensive capability that would help protect the security of the country’s 130 crore people.
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