Ahmad Adil
27 March 2019•Update: 27 March 2019
CHANDIGARH, India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday they had shot down a satellite, culminating their journey toward becoming an "elite space power".
In a televised address to the nation, Modi said: “India has entered its name as an elite space power. An anti-satellite weapon successfully targeted a live satellite on a low earth orbit.”
He said Mission Shakti (Power) was completed in three minutes.
After the address, he said in a tweet: “In the journey of every nation there are moments that bring utmost pride and have a historic impact on generations to come. One such moment is today. India has successfully tested the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile. Congratulations to everyone on the success of #MissionShakti."
He said that mission was “…a highly complex one, conducted at extremely high speed with remarkable precision. It shows the remarkable dexterity of India’s outstanding scientists and the success of our space programme.”
“India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised & modern capability. Entire effort is indigenous. India stands tall as a space power! It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony,” he added.
With this latest test exercise, India has joined the ranks of Russia, U.S. and China in space technology.
The announcement has come ahead of the country’s general election, which will be held in seven stages starting on April 11.
Meanwhile, several opposition parties in India criticized the Modi's speech, saying the move was to garner political point scoring and that it violated the election code of conduct.
The Election Commission of India said it has directed a committee of officers to examine the speech in the light of the election code of conduct.
