India to launch 'Pakistan-snubbed' South Asia Satellite on May 5
Originally named the “SAARC Satellite”, the project was rejected by Pakistan in 2014
The Indian prime minister said the satellite would benefit in mapping areas of "natural resources, tele-medicine, education, IT connectivity and people-to-people links". PHOTO: Twitter
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Sunday the launch of the South Asia Satellite on May 5 – a project he had initiated right after assuming office in 2014, the Hindustan Times reported.
Originally named “SAARC Satellite”, Modi describes his ambitious project as India’s “priceless gift” to fellow SAARC members – sans Pakistan. According to HT, Pakistan had refused India’s ‘gift’ when the Indian premiere first revealed plans for the satellite in November 2014, leading to a change in name.
India puts record 104 satellites into orbit
Seven months later, an eight-member Pakistani delegation attended a meeting at the Space Technology in June 2015 where Pakistan offered ‘technical’ and ‘monetary’ help for the project, the Times of India reported. "There was a proposal from the Pakistani side that it was ready to offer monetary and technical support. We politely declined it as the project is a gift from India to its SAARC neighbours," the newspaper quoted a senior government official.
Speaking on his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, Modi thanked all the countries which participated, namely Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Afghanistan. He said: “We have always attempted to move ahead with the concept of ‘sabka sath, sabka vikas (cooperation of all, development for all)." He insisted that the idea was not just restricted to South Asia but relevant globally.
‘Pakistan to launch remote sensing satellite in 2018’
“On May 5, India will launch the South Asia Satellite. The benefits of this satellite will go a long way in meeting the developmental needs of the countries participating in this project,” Modi maintained. “There should be cooperation of our neighbours and there should be development of our neighbours too,” he added.
The Indian prime minister said the satellite would benefit in mapping areas of “natural resources, tele-medicine, education, IT connectivity and people-to-people links".
“There should be cooperation of our neighbours and there should be development of our neighbours too,” he said. “This is an appropriate example of our commitment towards South Asia...The satellite of South Asia will help in the overall development of the entire region.”
According to HT, the satellite will provide communication, disaster support and connectivity among the participating countries.
Originally named “SAARC Satellite”, Modi describes his ambitious project as India’s “priceless gift” to fellow SAARC members – sans Pakistan. According to HT, Pakistan had refused India’s ‘gift’ when the Indian premiere first revealed plans for the satellite in November 2014, leading to a change in name.
India puts record 104 satellites into orbit
Seven months later, an eight-member Pakistani delegation attended a meeting at the Space Technology in June 2015 where Pakistan offered ‘technical’ and ‘monetary’ help for the project, the Times of India reported. "There was a proposal from the Pakistani side that it was ready to offer monetary and technical support. We politely declined it as the project is a gift from India to its SAARC neighbours," the newspaper quoted a senior government official.
Speaking on his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, Modi thanked all the countries which participated, namely Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Afghanistan. He said: “We have always attempted to move ahead with the concept of ‘sabka sath, sabka vikas (cooperation of all, development for all)." He insisted that the idea was not just restricted to South Asia but relevant globally.
‘Pakistan to launch remote sensing satellite in 2018’
“On May 5, India will launch the South Asia Satellite. The benefits of this satellite will go a long way in meeting the developmental needs of the countries participating in this project,” Modi maintained. “There should be cooperation of our neighbours and there should be development of our neighbours too,” he added.
The Indian prime minister said the satellite would benefit in mapping areas of “natural resources, tele-medicine, education, IT connectivity and people-to-people links".
“There should be cooperation of our neighbours and there should be development of our neighbours too,” he said. “This is an appropriate example of our commitment towards South Asia...The satellite of South Asia will help in the overall development of the entire region.”
According to HT, the satellite will provide communication, disaster support and connectivity among the participating countries.