India demonstrates anti-satellite missile capability
No intention of entering arms race: MEA
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers.
“In the journey of every nation there are moments that bring utmost pride and have a historic impact on generations to come. One such moment is today,” he said in an unprecedented broadcast to the nation on television, radio and social media.
“India has successfully tested the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile. Congratulations to everyone on the success of #MissionShakti,” the prime minister tweeted later.
He said the action was not directed against any country and the satellite was a pre-determined target orbiting at an altitude of 300 km.
The prime minister did not say who owned the satellite but added that India does not breach any international laws or treaties.
Mission Shakti, which was led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, was aimed at strengthening India’s overall security, he said in his address that comes a fortnight before the start of the general election.
The last time Modi had addressed the nation was November 8, 2016 when he announced the demonetisation of high value currency notes.
“#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,” Modi said.
“Shooting down a low earth orbit satellite is a rare achievement for the country,” he said.
India is only the fourth country to acquire such a specialised and modern capability after the US, Russia and China. The “entire effort is indigenous. India’s stands tall as a space power. It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony”, Modi said.
The prime minister had advertised his address to the nation on Twitter, calling it an important message.
“Do watch the address on television, radio or social media,” he said, setting off speculation across the country on what the topic was likely to be.
Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Security had met at the prime minister’s residence.
Meanwhile, the ministry of external affairs said that India has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space and it has been maintaining that space must be used only for peaceful purposes.
“The test is not directed against any country. India’s space capabilities do not threaten any country and nor are they directed against anyone,” the MEA said in a 10-point explainer on the anti-satellite missile test.
In 2007, China had carried out an anti-satellite missile test. Experts and former scientists said though India had the capability by 2012 to carry out similar test, political leadership did not give a clearance to it.
“India had the capability to carry out anti-satellite missile test in 2012-13 but there was no political clearance to it,” said former DRDO chief Vijay Saraswat.
Explaining significance of the test, the MEA said India has successfully demonstrated its capability to interdict and intercept a satellite in outer space based on complete indigenous technology.
The satellite used in the mission was one of India’s existing satellites operating in lower orbit while a ballistic missile defence interceptor was used to hit it.
“We are against weaponization of outer space and support international efforts to reinforce the safety and security of space based assets,” the MEA said.
At the same time, it said the government was committed to ensuring the country’s national security interests and is alert to threats from emerging technologies.
“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 MEA said in the FAQ.
The MEA said the test was done in the lower atmosphere to ensure that there is no space debris. “Whatever debris that is generated will decay and fall back onto the earth within weeks.”
By conducting the test, the MEA said, India was not in violation of any international law or treaty to which it is a party to or any national obligation.
“India expects to play a role in the future in the drafting of international law on prevention of an arms race in outer space including inter alia on the prevention of placement of weapons in outer space in its capacity as a major space faring nation,” said the MEA.
“The test was done to verify that India has the capability to safeguard our space assets. It is the Government of India’s responsibility to defend the country’s interests in outer space,” it said. (PTI)
Press Trust of India
