My dear countrymen,
Today is 27th March. A while ago, India achieved a historic feat. India today registered itself as a space power. Till now, 3 countries of the world- America, Russia, & China had this achievement. India is the 4th country to have achieved this feat. For an Indian, there cannot be a greater moment of pride.
A short while ago, our scientists successfully targeted a live satellite on a low earth orbit, 300 kilometres away.
This live satellite, which was a predetermined target in LEO - Low Earth Orbits , was shot down by anti-satellite, (A-SAT) missile. In just three minutes, this operation was successfully completed.
Mission Shakti - it was a very difficult operation, in which very high degree of technical ability was required. All goals and objectives have been achieved by scientists.
It is a matter of great pride for all Indians that this feat has been achieved by anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile, that was developed in India only.
First of all, I congratulate all DRDO scientists, researchers and other personnel associated with “Mission Shakti”, who contributed in achieving this extraordinary success. Today again they have elevated the honor of the country. We are proud of our scientists.
Space has become an important part of our life-style today. Today, we have sufficient number of satellites available, which are making valuable contributions in the development of different areas such as agriculture, defense, security, disaster management, communication, weather, navigation, education etc.
Everybody is benefitting because of our satellites, whether they are farmers, fishermen, students or security forces. On the other hand, satellites are also being used in many spheres like railways, airplanes, operations of water vessels, etc.
The importance of space and the satellite in the world is going to grow. Maybe life will be incomplete without it. In such a situation, the security of all these devices becomes very important.
Today's Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) missile will give a new strength to the country in terms of India's security and in the view of India's development journey. I want to assure the world community today that this new capability that we have achieved is not against anybody. It is a defensive initiative of India that is moving forward at a fast pace.
India has always been against arms race in space and there has been no change in this policy because of this mission. Today’s test does not violate any kind of international law or treaties or agreements. We want to use modern technology for the protection and welfare of 1.3 billion citizens of the country.
It is necessary to have a strong India to create an environment of peace and security in this area. Our strategic objective is to maintain peace and not to create an environment of war.
Dear Countrymen,
The main purpose of India's work in the space sector is India’s security, economic development and technological progress. Today’s mission is an important step towards securing these dreams, which was necessary for the protection of these three pillars.
Today's success should be seen as a growing step toward a safe, prosperous and peace-loving nation in the coming days. It is important that we go ahead and prepare ourselves for future challenges.
We have to adopt modern technology to face the challenges of the future and to make positive changes in our people's living standards. It is our goal that all Indians should face future challenges with self-confidence and a sense of security.
I have full confidence in the strength, commitment, dedication and ability of my people. We should undoubtedly unite and build a powerful, happy and secure India.
I envision an India that can think twice ahead of its time and also can gather the courage to walk.
Many congratulations to all the people for this great achievement of today.
Thank you.
