Washington takes note of 'Mission Shakti', voices concern over space debris

The US State Department on Wednesday (local time) said Washington has taken note of India's statement on 'Mission Shakti' while voicing concern over the issue of space debris.

"The issue of space debris is an important concern for the U.S. government. We took note of Indian government statements that the test was designed to address space debris issues," read a statement issued by the US State Department.

The statement mentioned that as part of its partnership with India, the US will continue to pursue shared interests in space, and scientific and technical cooperation, including collaboration on safety and security in space.

"The State Department saw PM Modi's statement that announced India's anti-satellite test. As part of our strong strategic partnership with India, we will continue to pursue shared interests in space and scientific and technical cooperation, including collaboration on safety and security in space," it noted.

On Wednesday, India's anti-satellite weapon A-SAT successfully destroyed a satellite on a low earth orbit, joining a group of three countries - the US, Russia and China - with such capability.

"India has entered its name as an elite space power. It is the fourth country to achieve this feat after the US, Russia and China. The 'Mission Shakti' operation was a difficult target to achieve, which was completed successfully within three minutes of the launch," Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said in an address to the nation.

The Prime Minister also assured the international community that this test does not violate any international treaty or law and that India remains committed against the arms race in space.