New Zealand's space sector played key role in Chandrayaan-3 success: PM Modi
Auckland, July 11
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that New Zealand's space sector has played a significant role in the success of India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-3.
Addressing the diaspora in Auckland, PM Modi recalled how celebrations emerged among the Kiwi-Indian community after the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on moon's South Pole.
"India's Chandrayaan-3, when it landed on the Moon's South Pole, the whole of New Zealand was dancing that day. And that day, we all felt proud. Now let me tell you one more thing to be proud of. New Zealand's technology has also contributed to this success," PM Modi told the gathering.
Launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the mission safely touched down near the Moon's south pole on August 23, 2023. The historic achievement made India the fourth country to successfully land on the Moon, and the very first to reach the elusive southern polar region.
PM Modi stressed that space sector is the perfect example of how both India and New Zealand's economy can contribute to each other's growth.
New Zealand's space company has worked with us on several occasions. We are working to take this cooperation further, said the Prime Minister.
India's space economy is poised to grow from the current $8-9 billion to nearly $40-45 billion over the next decade, driven by policy reforms, growing private participation and a rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem. The transformation of India's space sector reflects a larger change taking place across the country, where science and technology have moved beyond laboratories to become part of the national consciousness.
India's achievements in missions such as Chandrayaan-3 and the upcoming Gaganyaan programme have established the country among the world's leading space-faring nations.
The country has successfully integrated space-based applications into infrastructure planning, project monitoring, and public service delivery on a scale rarely seen elsewhere.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm happy PM Modi acknowledged New Zealand's contribution. But I hope we also focus on boosting our own domestic space tech so we rely less on others in the future. Still, a fantastic achievement overall!
As a Kiwi living in India, this warms my heart! Space knows no borders. Truly inspiring to see India's space economy growing so fast. Can't wait for Gaganyaan!
PM Modi is spot on about the space sector driving economic growth. The fact that we're using space tech for infrastructure and public services is a game-changer for rural India. This is real progress! 🙏
I remember watching the landing live from Wellington with Indian friends—it was electric! Great to see our two countries working together. More collaborations like this, please! 🌏
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