Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a televised address to the nation today said India has shot down a low earth orbit satellite with an anti-satellite missile or A-SAT.
PM Modi - asserting that the action is not directed against any country - said that with Mission Shakti's success, India has become the fourth country to have tested such an anti-satellite weapon after the US, Russia and China. The A-SAT missile shot down the Low Earth Orbit satellite within "three minutes of launch", with remarkable precision and technical capability, PM Modi said.
"This is a big moment for India. Something that all of us should be proud of. We are not just capable to defend on land, water and air, but now also in space. I congratulate all scientists who have made this possible and made India a much stronger nation," PM Modi said in a televised address.
The opposition said it was the UPA government that started the ASAT programme, which finally gave results now. "The UPA government had initiated the ASAT program which has reached fruition today. I congratulate our space scientists and the visionary leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh," Congress parliamentarian Ahmed Patel tweeted.
Here are the Highlights on Mission Shakti:
Mission Shakti: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mission Shakti Speech Being Examined: Election Commission After ComplaintsThe Election Commission said it is "studying" this morning's announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the anti-satelite missile test. The Opposition parties had raised a clamour after the announcement, claiming the Prime Minister was trying to gain political points two weeks before the national elections and it was a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
India becomes the 4th Nation in the world after USA, Russia and China!
- Chowkidar Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) March 27, 2019
India also congratulates all hardworking scientists and entire team for this great achievement and making entire Nation proud.
भारत माता की जय!
वंदे मातरम्, वंदे मातरम्, वंदे मातरम् ! #MissionShakti
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also launched a sharp attack at PM after his televised addressed.
India's Mission Programme is world-class for many many years.
- Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 27, 2019
We are always proud of our scientists, @DRDO_India , other research & space organisations. 1/4
Research, space management & development are a continuous process over the years. Modi, as usual, likes to take the credit for everything. Credit to those who really deserve it, our scientists & researchers. 2/4
- Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 27, 2019
Today's announcement is yet another limitless drama and publicity mongering by Modi desperately trying to reap political benefits at the time of election. This is a gross violation of Model Code of Conduct. 3/4
- Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 27, 2019
There is no great urgency in conducting and announcing the mission now by a government past its expiry date. It seems a desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat. We are lodging a complaint with the Election Commission. 4/4
- Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 27, 2019
Let us cherish the 'idea of India' for which our freedom fighters laid down their lives. Our people and our great institutions must strive to remain "independent", in the true sense of the word 2/2
- Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 14, 2018
Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi took a dig at PM Modi soon after he announced the success of Mission Shakti.
Well done DRDO, extremely proud of your work.
- Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 27, 2019
I would also like to wish the PM a very happy World Theatre Day.
"The UPA government had initiated the ASAT program which has reached fruition today. I congratulate our space scientists and the visionary leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh," Congress parliamentarian Ahmed Patel tweeted.
I congratulate the whole team of scientists & engineers at @DRDO_India & @isro for this monumental achievement. India has become a #SpacePower and the success of this mission will give a boost to the nation's technological progress as well as economic growth.
- Chowkidar Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) March 27, 2019
"A defining moment for our Nation! #MissionShakti is a hallmark of our scientific aptitude & commitment to national security. Congratulations to PM @narendramodi ji, our scientists & citizens as India joins the power league of Nations having Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile (sic)": Union Minister Smriti Irani on Twitter
We congratulate @isro & the Govt on the latest achievement for India. The Indian Space Programme established in 1961 by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru & the Indian Space Research Organisation set up under Smt. Indira Gandhi has always made India proud with its ground breaking achievements.
- Congress (@INCIndia) March 27, 2019
Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav reacted to PM Modi's address to the nation saying PM Modi diverted attention from issues on the ground by pointing at the sky.
Today @narendramodi got himself an hour of free TV & divert nation's attention away from issues on ground - #Unemployment #RuralCrisis & #WomensSecurity - by pointing at the sky.
- Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) March 27, 2019
Congratulations @drdo_india & @isro - this success belongs to you. Thank you for making India safer.
An important message to the nation. Watch. https://t.co/0LEOATgOOQ
- Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019
In the journey of every nation there are moments that bring utmost pride and have a historic impact on generations to come.
- Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019
One such moment is today.
India has successfully tested the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile. Congratulations to everyone on the success of #MissionShakti.
#MissionShakti is special for 2 reasons:
- Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019
(1) India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised & modern capability.
(2) 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.
#MissionShakti 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.
- Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019
मेरे प्यारे देशवासियों,
- Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019
आज सवेरे लगभग 11.45 - 12.00 बजे मैं एक महत्वपूर्ण संदेश लेकर आप के बीच आऊँगा।
I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 AM - 12.00 noon with an important message.
Do watch the address on television, radio or social media.
