ASAT indicator of political will backing scientists: Tawde

The anti-satellite (ASAT) missile capability demonstration Wednesday was an indicator of the political will backing the country's scientists, Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Vinod Tawde said.

In a morning television address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers.

"There has been international pressure on the government against carrying out research and tests on critical issues such as anti-satellite missiles. The Modi government has shown its political will by standing firmly behind the scientists," Tawde claimed.

He alleged that work on the ASAT had slowed down under the previous government due to international pressure before it got revived and picked up speed after 2014 under PM Modi.

Queried on PM Modi's televised address, Tawde said such critical achievements were important and hence needed to be announced by the PM himself.

"I wonder why some people are jealous of PM Modi making the announcement," Tawde asked.