In a special unexpected address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India has successfully tested an anti-satellite weapon and described it as an achievement of the country in its very 1st demonstration of “space power”.
In the operation termed Mission Shakti led by the Defence Research and Development Organization, India targeted and shot down one of its low earth orbit satellite, located more than 185 miles away, within three minutes of the anti-satellite (A-SAT) weapon being launched.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed that India was the 4th country which used an anti-satellite weapon following the successful demonstration by top 3 countries – United States, Russia, and China. He also exclaimed that the operation was directed to make the overall security of India strong and strengthened.
However with general elections approaching, the timing of the announcement triggered a political controversy with the opposition parties, the public poll being just weeks away. The operation is considered to be Modi’s latest attempt to retain power in the elections.
According to the Indian Foreign Ministry, the test having been carried out in the lower atmosphere, remains harmless to the environment as it would leave no debris in space. However, whatever remains as a consequence of the collision would fall back to earth within weeks.
“The capability achieved through the anti-satellite missile test provides credible deterrence against threats to our growing space-based assets from long-range missiles, and proliferation in the types and numbers of missiles,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
According to reports from Reuters, China’s foreign ministry hopes for all countries to protect peace and tranquility in space, while U.S and Russia declined to make any comments.
Affirming that India’s policy always remains against the usage of weapons in space, the Prime minister also commented that the new capability is not aimed at anyone.
