Insta
South Asian Leaders Join Modi To Celebrate ISRO’s Successful Launch, Pakistan Cornered
Swarajya Staff
May 05, 2017, 05:52 PM | Updated 05:52 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Heads of Governments of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (5 May) to celebrate the successful launch of the South Asia Communication Satellite.
Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter soon after the successful launch of the GSAT-9 and informed about the joint address.
All the leaders will take part & address the programme via video conferencing at 5.30 PM this evening.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 5, 2017
I welcome President @ashrafghani, PM Hasina, PM @tsheringtobgay, @presidencymv Abdulla Yameen, PM Prachanda, President @MaithripalaS.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 5, 2017
Prime Minister Modi in his recent radio address to the nation, 'Mann Ki Baat', said the South Asia Satellite is India's gift to the region and will go a long way in addressing the economic and development priorities of the countries here.
Six of India's neighbours – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives – are participating in the space-based regional communication project.
However, Pakistan refused to take part in the programme, saying that it has an indigenous space programme. But the country still lacks basic launch and satellite construction facilities and uses China’s launch station.
The move to bring together heads of six South Asian nations is also being seen as India’s diplomatic manoeuvre to corner Pakistan.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.
