‘India now a space power’: PM lauds successful anti-satellite missile test

Declaring that India had entered an elite club of nations considered 'space powers', Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed the nation of the success of 'Mission Shakti', a test of India's anti-satellite missiles. PM Modi said that the test, which lasted just 3 minutes, saw an anti-satellite missile successfully shoot down a live satellite in low earth orbit. The target was pre-decided. The Prime Minister assured the world that the test was aimed at strengthening India's defence and was not a violation of any international accords. India stays committed against an arms race in space, said PM Modi.