'Mission Shakti' an important step towards securing India's safety, says PM Narendra Modi

India has entered its name as an elite space power after an anti-satellite weapon A-SAT successfully targeted a live satellite on a low earth orbit, said PM Modi in his address to the nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address on Wednesday informed the nation that an anti-satellite (ASAT) Indian missile has shot down a spy satellite as part of its space operation named "Mission Shakti".

"An anti-satellite weapon A-SAT has successfully targeted a live satellite on a low earth orbit," PM said.

Reacting to this achievement, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said, "Congratulations to all the scientists for carrying out "Mission Shakti" successfully. India is moving fast towards becoming a world leader, & under PM Modi's leadership, it is on its way to not only become a 'super economic power', but also a 'super science power'."

Taking to Twitter earlier in the day, the Prime Minister said that he will be addressing the nation with an 'important message'

"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," PM Modi tweeted this from his official account.

मेरे प्यारे देशवासियों,

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.

— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019

The PM's address comes after he chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at his residence in New Delhi.

#MissionShakti is special for 2 reasons:
(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.

— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019

A-SAT missile will give new strength to India's space programme. I assure international community that our capability won't be used against anyone but is purely India's defence initiative for its security.We're against arms raised in space. This test won't breach any international law or treaties: PM

#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

Till now, 3 countries of the world- America, Russia, & China had this achievement. India is the 4th country to have achieved this feat: PM Modi

'Mission Shakti' is an important step towards securing India's safety, economic growth and technological advancement.

PM Modi: Today, we have enough satellites that are contributing in various segments such as agriculture, disaster management, communication, weather, navigation etc.

'Mission Shakti' operation was a difficult target to achieve which was completed successfully within three minutes of launch.

India has entered its name as an elite space power. An anti-satellite weapon A-SAT, successfully targeted a live satellite on a low earth orbit: PM Modi

India has registered itself as Space Power: PM Modi