India now an elite space power, Modi says in 'important message' to nation
Story highlights
Modi said India's space scientists had shot down a low Earth orbit satellite with an A-sat (anti-satellite) missile.
Satellites are being widely used today, says Modi.
The A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile will strengthen our defence systems.
I want to clarify to world powers that this technology is not against any country, it is for our defence
India is against our space race, and we still follow ths policy
We don't intend to violate any international treaty
We want to use our technology for the safety and betterment of our 130 crore people
We need a strong India
Modi says ‘Mission Shakti’ was an extremely difficult mission, needed deft handling and it was successful.
"It is a moment of pride for us that the anti-satellite missile was made in India," he adds.
"I congratulate all the DRDO scientists, we are proud of them."
Modi announces that a 300 LEO (Low-Earth Orbit) satellite has been downed by our space scientists
The LEO was shot down by an anti-satellite missile in only three minutes, Modi say
WION's Political Editor Kartikeya Sharma however reminds us that the Election Commission's Code of Conduct is now in force, which will prevent Modi from making any big political announcements.
Sharma however adds that Modi has put the pressure on himself, and that he will be in for a fair amount of political criticism should his "important message" not live up to his billing
Modi's tweet that he had an "important message" for the nation followed a meeting of both the Cabinet Committee on Security and the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs
It has been mentioned that the last time PM Modi made a statement in this fashion was when he announced demonetisation
This is what Modi tweeted:
मेरे प्यारे देशवासियों,
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019
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.
There is also speculation brewing over why Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he would address the nation between "11:45 AM - 12 noon". Modi is generally thought of as being more specific.
WION's political editor Kartikeya Sharma said he expected Modi's "important message" to be of "grave national or political importance". He added that the general elections are only a fortnight away and that he did not expect the prime minister, at a time like this, to put out a message that was of little importance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation shortly with an "important message".
"I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 AM - 12.00 noon with an important message," Modi tweeted Wednesday morning.
"Do watch the address on television, radio or social media," he added.