'Only foolish governments disclose defence secrets': Chidambaram's jab at Modi over A-SAT missile test

Senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday took a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over India’s 'Mission Shakti' anti-satellite missile test saying that only "foolish governments" disclose defence secrets. "The capability to shoot down a satellite has existed for many years. A wise government will keep the capability secret. Only a foolish government will disclose it and betray a defence secret," Chidambaram wrote on Twitter.

The former finance minister also questioned the timing of the test, which came days ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "Besides, why was it done now in the middle of an election campaign? Only to boost the sagging fortunes of the BJP," he said in a series of tweets.

On March 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India successfully conducted indigenously build anti-satellite missile test by shooting its own satellite in low earth orbit. Modi said that India became only the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to have its own satellite weapon.

“India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised & modern capability. Entire effort is indigenous. India stands tall as a space power! It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony,” Modi said.

The prime minister also assured the international community that the capability will not be used against any nation and was developed only for India’s own security.

“A-SAT missile will give new strength to India's space prog. I assure int'l community that our capability won't be used against anyone but is purely India's defence initiative for its security. We're against arms raised in space. This test won't breach any international law or treaties,” he said.