New Delhi: India conducted its first anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test on Wednesday, successfully destroying a low earth orbit satellite in space by using a missile which covered a distance of 300 km to engage the target. New Delhi, however, emphasised that the test did not alter its commitment against weaponisation of outer space. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the test, called ‘ Mission Shakti ’, successful in a specially televised announcement.The Election Commission later sought details as the announcement was made at a time when the Model Code of Conduct is in force ahead of general polls starting next month. “India’s scientists have successfully hit a target in space with an anti-satellite missile.The target was a live satellite which was flying in a low earth orbit. The missile travelled a distance of almost 300 km from earth and hit the target within three minutes of its launch,” PM Modi said in a rare televised declaration of new military capability.Scientists told ET that the ASAT missile is among the most complex tests carried out by India and can be considered even more advanced than the development of submarine-launched missile systems which was the last big breakthrough in Indian missile technology.The test places India in a select group alongside the US, Russia and China, countries with demonstrated anti-satellite capability. On Wednesday, New Delhi also went to some lengths to explain that the test is in no way contrary to its declared position against weaponisation of space.“The new capability we have developed is not directed against anyone…India has always been opposed to the weaponisation of space and an arms race in outer space, and this test does not in any way change this position,” PM Modi said.Officials said as per India’s understanding, the test does not violate any international law or treaty obligation and is much less harmful than the Chinese ASAT test in 2007 that led to a large-scale scattering of debris in space that threatened other satellites. “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,” a government statement read, adding that India has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space.PM Modi described the test as being critical to protect Indian interests in space that has become a critical part of our day to day lives’.“From the point of view of India’s security and economic development, today’s ASAT missile will give the country new strength,” he said.Sources told ET that the missile system was under development since 2016 after the government gave a go-ahead and is a demonstration that the ballistic missile defence program is progressing at a good pace. DRDO said that the test, called ‘Mission Shakti’, was carried out from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha and the interceptor was a three-stage missile with two solid rocket boosters.“Tracking data from range sensors has confirmed the mission met all objectives,” officials said, adding that the ‘hit to kill’ method was considered as the effective way to knock off a satellite in space. The Indian position is that the ASAT test has provided ‘credible deterrence’ against threats to space-based assets from long- range missiles.