With the launch of a satellite, India claims to have successfully tested a new military defense system. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a speech broadcast live on Indian television.
Modi spoke of a moment of pride for the country. The nation has become a major power in space and has as one of four countries worldwide such a weapon system.
NARINDER NANU / AFP
Premier Narendra Modi live on TV: "A moment of pride"
The South Asian nuclear power with 1.3 billion inhabitants has long pursued an ambitious space program. Modi had announced last year that India would be the fourth state in the world to launch a manned flight into space until the 75th anniversary of Indian independence in 2022. India made a breakthrough in June 2017 when a satellite weighing over three tons was launched into space.
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.
As early as the mid-eighties, the Americans had destroyed an old research satellite. Similar tests were carried out by China in 2007 when the obsolete weather satellite "Fengyun-1C" was launched. At that time, experts warned of the cloud of thousands of small pieces of debris that could pose a threat to other satellites in space.
In India, the dispute with Pakistan over the Kashmir region is currently threatening to escalate again. Recently, several people died in a border crossing in a shootout. Two wars have already been waged around the region.
In addition, parliamentary elections will be held in India within a few weeks. Around 900 million people are eligible to vote. Modis Hindu Nationalist Party BJP is considered a favorite. He would take on a second, five-year term as head of government in an election victory.