Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Wednesday about the successful test of India’s first anti-satellite weapon test, Mission Shakti. (EXPRESS PHOTO BY PRAVEEN KHANNA) Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Wednesday about the successful test of India’s first anti-satellite weapon test, Mission Shakti. (EXPRESS PHOTO BY PRAVEEN KHANNA)

PM Narendra Modi Address to Nation HIGHLIGHTS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the nation to announce that India has become the fourth country to execute a low-orbit satellite destruction in space. Modi said India shot down a low-orbit satellite through an Indian anti-satellite weapon A-SAT in an operation called ‘Mission Shakti’ which lasted for just 3 minutes. “India has entered its name as an elite space power. An anti-satellite weapon A-SAT, successfully targeted a live satellite on a low earth orbit,” PM Modi said.

Mission Shakti is the test of India’s anti-satellite weapon. Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) are created to destroy or incapacitate satellites. There are many countries which have this capability, but only four countries — including India — have demonstrated their ASAT capabilities.

He had earlier tweeted that he will address the nation shortly with what he called a “very important message”. Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister said, “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.” With the Model Code of Conduct already in place, the government cannot take any policy decisions or make any announcements.