President Pranab Mukherjee (PTI file photo)

NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said the launch of a South Asia Satellite by the ISRO will help India cement its ties with neighbours.

He also congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the successful launch of the South Asia satellite-GSAT-09.

"The launch of the South Asia satellite, which enables a range of services in the areas of telecommunication and broadcast will go a long way in meeting the developmental needs of the countries of South Asia.

"I am confident that the project will promote friendship and cooperation and help further cement ties between India and her neighbours," the president said in a message to A S Kiran Kumar , the secretary of the Department of Space and ISRO chairman.

