Early Times Report NEW DELHI, July 31: Senior BJP Leader and Rajya Sabha MP today hailed India's remarkable achievements in the fields of space technology and defence manufacturing, describing them as powerful examples of the country's emergence as a global innovation and strategic powerhouse under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Referring to Skyroot Aerospace's successful Vikram-1 mission, which reached orbit on 18 July 2026, the MP said the milestone marks a defining moment in India's space journey. With this achievement, India has become the third country in the world to demonstrate private-sector orbital launch capability. The "Aagaman" mission successfully deployed multiple payloads into a nearly 450-km orbit, including satellites from Skyroot Aerospace, DCUBED and Grahaa Space, along with a debris-capture robotic arm developed by Cosmoserve Space. This success reflects the growing strength of India's private space ecosystem and its expanding contribution to global space innovation. The MP noted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of opening the space sector to private participation has transformed the landscape. India's space startup ecosystem has grown from just one startup in 2014 to more than 400 in 2026, while the sector's value is projected to increase from USD 8.4 billion to USD 40-45 billion by 2030. Highlighting India's growing defence capabilities, the MP said the BrahMos missile has become a symbol of India's rising stature as a defence exporter. Developed through India-Russia cooperation and strengthened by the Government's emphasis on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, indigenous manufacturing and strategic partnerships, BrahMos is reinforcing India's position as a trusted supplier in the global defence market. "The success of Vikram-1 and the global recognition of BrahMos demonstrate the confidence, capability and ambition of a New India. These achievements reflect the transformative policies of the Modi Government, which have empowered innovation, strengthened national security and enhanced India's global standing," the MP said. The MP congratulated the scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs and all stakeholders whose dedication continues to propel India towards becoming a leading force in space technology, defence manufacturing and high-technology industries. |