New Delhi, Mar 27 (UNI) Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday displayed his oratory skills to dismiss the Opposition’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi making the announcement about the space mission and said such behavior only would put them in poor light.
Making it clear that he is not trying to show any disrespect to opposition leaders, Mr Jaitley, known for his witty jibes, said "When the finger points to the moon, the idiot always point to the finger".
“Can anybody argue that such sensitive programme should be disclosed to anybody other than those in command. Is that the requirement of national security?” he asked at the media briefing here.
Mr Jaitley said, “It is regrettable that elementary lessons of national security are not known.”
He said a large number of countries today will grudge India for achieving this and thus it could not be announced other than the Prime Minister.India joins Space Super League: 'No threat to anyone', says PM
New Delhi, Mar 27 (UNI) India on Wednesday made it clear that it has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space and the scaling up defence capability to enter the super league of the US, China and Russia is not aimed against anyone but rather the unique feat will "compel" other players in the region to maintain peace.
"India has no intention to threaten anyone ...I want to assure the international community that the new capability we have developed is not directed against anyone," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a
a rare televised address to the nation weeks before the elections.
Predictably, the opposition parties have flayed the government for the same and said the announcement was like a theatrical show and formed violation of the election code.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at a press conference said a large number of countries today will grudge India for achieving this.
Official sources have maintained that - India now expects to play a role in the future in the drafting of international law on prevention of an arms race in outer space.
“By this achievement, we are able to compel others to maintain peace in this region. India’s stand has always been no first use but we must secure our land," Mr Jaitley told a news conference in presence of Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Making it clear that he is not trying to show any disrespect to opposition leaders, Mr Jaitley, known for his witty jibes, described opposition parties complain as exercise in poor light and went onto say - "When the finger points to the moon, the idiot always point to the finger".
As a policy, the government sources have said: "India believes that Outer space is the common heritage of humankind and it is the responsibility of all space-faring nations to preserve and promote the benefits flowing from advances made in space technology and its applications for all".
"We have always maintained that space must be used only for peaceful purposes. We are against the weaponization of Outer Space and support international efforts to reinforce the safety and security of space based assets," they said.
Prime Minister said India will be the fourth country to have used such an anti-satellite missile after the United States, Russia and China.
The announcement by Prime Minister Modi followed after Indian Mission 'Operation Shakti' destroyed a low-orbiting satellite in a missile test that puts the country in the global space club or the "super league".
The official sources pointed out that Indian space programme is not in violation of any international law or a Treaty to which it is a party or any national obligation.
The principal international Treaty on space is the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. India is a signatory to this treaty, and ratified it in 1982.
The Outer Space Treaty prohibits only weapons of mass destruction in outer space, not ordinary weapons.
Sources said - "India expects to play a role in the future in the drafting of international law on prevention of an arms race in outer space including inter alia on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space in its capacity as a major space faring nation with proven space technology".
Prime Minister said the benefits of Indian satellites are reaching every Indian.
"The importance of space and satellites in the world will continue to grow. Possibly life will be incomplete without them.....We want to use modern day technologies for the security and welfare of our 1.3 billion people," Mr Modi said.
Frequently Asked Questions on Mission Shakti, India’s Anti-Satellite Missile test conducted on 27 March, 2019 - MEA
March 27, 2019
I. What was the test?
1. On March 27, 2019 India conducted Mission Shakti, an anti-satellite missile test, from the Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Island launch complex.This was a technological mission carried out by DRDO. The satellite used in the mission was one of India’s existing satellites operating in lower orbit. The test was fully successful and achieved all parameters as per plans. The test required an extremely high degree of precision and technical capability.
2. The significance of the test is that India has tested and successfully demonstrated its capability to interdict and intercept a satellite in outer space based on complete indigenous technology.
3. With this test, India joins an exclusive group of space faring nations consisting of USA, Russia and China.
II. Which satellite was used?
The satellite used was an Indian satellite.
III. Which Missile/Interceptor was used?
The DRDO’s Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor was used, which is part of the ongoing ballistic missile defence programme.
IV. There are other ways to demonstrate ASAT capabilities such as "fly-by tests” and Jamming. Why has India used the particular technology of Kinetic Kill?
This is a technology where we have developed capability. Space technologies are constantly evolving. We have used the technology that is appropriate to achieve the objectives set out in this mission.
V. Does the test create space debris?
The test was done in the lower atmosphere to ensure that there is no space debris. Whatever debris that is generated will decay and fall back onto the earth within weeks.
VI. Why did we do the test?
1. India has a long standing and rapidly growing space programme. It has expanded rapidly in the last five years. The Mangalyaan Mission to Mars was successfully launched. Thereafter, the government has sanctioned the Gaganyaan Mission which will take Indians to outer space.
2. India has undertaken 102 spacecraft missions consisting of communication satellites, earth observation satellites, experimental satellites, navigation satellites, apart from satellites meant for scientific research and exploration, academic studies and other small satellites. India’s space programme is a critical backbone of India’s security, economic and social infrastructure.
3. The test was done to verify that India has the capability to safeguard our space assets. It is the Government of India’s responsibility to defend the country’s interests in outer space.
VII. Why was the test done now?
The tests were done after we had acquired the required degree of confidence to ensure its success, and reflects the intention of the government to enhance India’s national security. India has seen an accelerated space development programme since 2014.
VIII. Is India entering into an arms race in outer space?
1. India has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space. We have always maintained that space must be used only for peaceful purposes. We are against the weaponization of Outer Space and support international efforts to reinforce the safety and security of space based assets.
2. India believes that Outer space is the common heritage of humankind and it is the responsibility of all space-faring nations to preserve and promote the benefits flowing from advances made in space technology and its applications for all.
3. India is a party to all the major international treaties relating to Outer Space. India already implements a number of Transparency and Confidence Building Measures(TCBMs) – including registering space objects with the UN register, prelaunch notifications, measures in harmony with the UN Space Mitigation Guidelines, participation in Inter Agency Space Debris Coordination (IADC) activities with regard to space debris management, undertaking SOPA (Space Object Proximity Awareness and COLA (Collision Avoidance) Analysis and numerous international cooperation activities, including hosting the UN affiliated Centre for Space and Science Technology Education in Asia and Pacific. India has been participating in all sessions of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
4. India supported UNGA resolution 69/32 on No First Placement of Weapons on Outer Space. We see the No First Placement of weapons in outer space as only an interim step and not a substitute for concluding substantive legal measures to ensure the prevention of an arms race in outer space, which should continue to be a priority for the international community.
5. India supports the substantive consideration of the issue of Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) in the Conference on Disarmament where it has been on the agenda since 1982.
IX. What is the international law on weapons in outer space?
1. The principal international Treaty on space is the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. India is a signatory to this treaty, and ratified it in 1982. The Outer Space Treaty prohibits only weapons of mass destruction in outer space, not ordinary weapons.
2. India expects to play a role in the future in the drafting of international law on prevention of an arms race in outer space including inter alia on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space in its capacity as a major space faring nation with proven space technology.
3. India is not in violation of any international law or Treaty to which it is a Party or any national obligation.
X. Is the test directed against any country?
1. The test is not directed against any country. India’s space capabilities do not threaten any country and nor are they directed against anyone.
2. At the same time, the government is committed to ensuring the country’s national security interests and is alert to threats from emerging technologies. The capability achieved through the Anti-Satellite missile test provides credible deterrence against threats to our growing space-based assets from long range missiles, and proliferation in the types and numbers of missiles.
1. On March 27, 2019 India conducted Mission Shakti, an anti-satellite missile test, from the Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Island launch complex.This was a technological mission carried out by DRDO. The satellite used in the mission was one of India’s existing satellites operating in lower orbit. The test was fully successful and achieved all parameters as per plans. The test required an extremely high degree of precision and technical capability.
2. The significance of the test is that India has tested and successfully demonstrated its capability to interdict and intercept a satellite in outer space based on complete indigenous technology.
3. With this test, India joins an exclusive group of space faring nations consisting of USA, Russia and China.
II. Which satellite was used?
The satellite used was an Indian satellite.
III. Which Missile/Interceptor was used?
The DRDO’s Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor was used, which is part of the ongoing ballistic missile defence programme.
IV. There are other ways to demonstrate ASAT capabilities such as "fly-by tests” and Jamming. Why has India used the particular technology of Kinetic Kill?
This is a technology where we have developed capability. Space technologies are constantly evolving. We have used the technology that is appropriate to achieve the objectives set out in this mission.
V. Does the test create space debris?
The test was done in the lower atmosphere to ensure that there is no space debris. Whatever debris that is generated will decay and fall back onto the earth within weeks.
VI. Why did we do the test?
1. India has a long standing and rapidly growing space programme. It has expanded rapidly in the last five years. The Mangalyaan Mission to Mars was successfully launched. Thereafter, the government has sanctioned the Gaganyaan Mission which will take Indians to outer space.
2. India has undertaken 102 spacecraft missions consisting of communication satellites, earth observation satellites, experimental satellites, navigation satellites, apart from satellites meant for scientific research and exploration, academic studies and other small satellites. India’s space programme is a critical backbone of India’s security, economic and social infrastructure.
3. The test was done to verify that India has the capability to safeguard our space assets. It is the Government of India’s responsibility to defend the country’s interests in outer space.
VII. Why was the test done now?
The tests were done after we had acquired the required degree of confidence to ensure its success, and reflects the intention of the government to enhance India’s national security. India has seen an accelerated space development programme since 2014.
VIII. Is India entering into an arms race in outer space?
1. India has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space. We have always maintained that space must be used only for peaceful purposes. We are against the weaponization of Outer Space and support international efforts to reinforce the safety and security of space based assets.
2. India believes that Outer space is the common heritage of humankind and it is the responsibility of all space-faring nations to preserve and promote the benefits flowing from advances made in space technology and its applications for all.
3. India is a party to all the major international treaties relating to Outer Space. India already implements a number of Transparency and Confidence Building Measures(TCBMs) – including registering space objects with the UN register, prelaunch notifications, measures in harmony with the UN Space Mitigation Guidelines, participation in Inter Agency Space Debris Coordination (IADC) activities with regard to space debris management, undertaking SOPA (Space Object Proximity Awareness and COLA (Collision Avoidance) Analysis and numerous international cooperation activities, including hosting the UN affiliated Centre for Space and Science Technology Education in Asia and Pacific. India has been participating in all sessions of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
4. India supported UNGA resolution 69/32 on No First Placement of Weapons on Outer Space. We see the No First Placement of weapons in outer space as only an interim step and not a substitute for concluding substantive legal measures to ensure the prevention of an arms race in outer space, which should continue to be a priority for the international community.
5. India supports the substantive consideration of the issue of Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) in the Conference on Disarmament where it has been on the agenda since 1982.
IX. What is the international law on weapons in outer space?
1. The principal international Treaty on space is the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. India is a signatory to this treaty, and ratified it in 1982. The Outer Space Treaty prohibits only weapons of mass destruction in outer space, not ordinary weapons.
2. India expects to play a role in the future in the drafting of international law on prevention of an arms race in outer space including inter alia on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space in its capacity as a major space faring nation with proven space technology.
3. India is not in violation of any international law or Treaty to which it is a Party or any national obligation.
X. Is the test directed against any country?
1. The test is not directed against any country. India’s space capabilities do not threaten any country and nor are they directed against anyone.
2. At the same time, the government is committed to ensuring the country’s national security interests and is alert to threats from emerging technologies. The capability achieved through the Anti-Satellite missile test provides credible deterrence against threats to our growing space-based assets from long range missiles, and proliferation in the types and numbers of missiles.
Elections or no elections - space prog continues: JaitleyNew Delhi, Mar 27 (UNI) The BJP on Wednesday strongly countered the charge from the Opposition parties including Trinamool Congress and the CPI(M) that announcement on India's successful space mission by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a violation of the model code of conduct.
Such programmes continue 365 days a year… elections or no elections," senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley strongly asserted at a press conference after the issue was raised by West Bengal chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury.
Reacting to the Prime Minister's speech to the nation, Congress president Rahul Gandhi also took a pot shot at him and tweeted, "I would also like to wish the PM a very happy World Theatre Day."
Ms Banerjee had earlier tweeted, "It seems a desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat. We are lodging a complaint with the Election Commission."
Mr Yechury wrote a letter to the poll panel raising similar objections.
Mr Jaitley maintained, "Since it is deterrent, the deterrent has to be known to all concerned and the deterrent of this kind there is no better person than the Prime Minister who has to inform the world."
Taking a jibe at the Trinamool Congress chief, he said the nuclear programme and space-related works go on throughout the year and "cannot be put to a halt because it does not suit to West Bengal chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or any other party".
Answering questions, he said the opposition parties are only belittling themselves by raising these objections and remarked, "Lower they go, stronger we emerge and as far as the whole issue of EC is concerned, I wish to say something India’s nuke programme is a continuing programme. It is not a new programme."
He said in fact the opposition parties should make use of this historic achievement and "correct their stance" unlike what they did after Pulwama and Balakot airstrike.
Slamming the erstwhile Congress regime for not taking a political decision to carry out such missions, Mr Jaitley said this has been a long desire of the DRDO and scientists to develop the missile as they are capable but “were not getting permission from the then government”.
“There was no clarity…whether they will get the permission and that is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi deserves to be complemented to advance the national security doctrine. This is taking forward a new vision and is a milestone in itself,” said Mr Jaitley, who is also a member of the Cabinet Committee on Security.
Congratulation DRDO and scientists for the mission, Mr Jaitley recalled that in 2012 the then DRDO chief Dr V K Saraswat had said that scientists had the capability to develop the anti-missile but the UPA government had not given them permission to do so.
He said the country’s new achievement in strengthening space prowess will work as a deterrent in future conflicts and will ensure that other players in the region maintain peace with India.
“By this achievement, we are able to compel others to maintain peace in this region. India’s stand has always been no first use but we must secure our land."
"We should not forget that tomorrow's wars will not be the same as yesterday's wars.
“The biggest achievement of today’s successful mission is that it is 100 per cent indigenous and accordingly confidentiality was maintained."
He said those countries are already in the ‘exclusive club’ – the US, China and Russia – will never want the entry of a new member.
No comments:
Post a Comment