Former DRDO chief reveals: UPA govt didn't give permission to complete 'Mission Shakti' in 2012-13

VK Saraswat, former DRDO Chief and NITI Aayog member, has claimed that that in 2012 and 2013, the UPA government didn’t give permission to complete 'Mission Shakti' even though the organisation was ready with the necessary steps. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday 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 superpowers.

“We had already completed the stimulation process. We wanted to combine the capabilities of our Ballistic missile system and the developed capabilities of AGNI programme to get results in the same direction. However, we still had to develop certain technology for which we wanted resources and permission. But no such permission was granted to us during 2012-13 and even 2014. But under the leadership of PM Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, we were able to get all the required permission. The DRDO set the integration, realisation and demonstration,” Saraswat told Republic TV

“We made presentations to the National Security Adviser and National Security Council, when such discussions were held, they were heard by all concerned, unfortunately, we didn't get positive response (from UPA), so we didn't go ahead,” news agency ANI quoted Sarawat as saying.

“When proposal was put up by Dr Satheesh Reddy and NSA Ajit Doval to PM Modi, he had the courage and based on that he gave a go ahead. If the clearances were given in 2012-13, I'm quite certain that the launch would have happened in 2014-15,” he added.

Dr VK Saraswat on #MissionShakti: When proposal was put up by Dr Satheesh Reddy & NSA Ajit Doval to PM Modi, he had the courage & based on that he gave a go ahead. If the clearances were given in 2012-13, I'm quite certain that the launch would have happened in 2014-15. https://t.co/Amnf62Qa0r

— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2019

Modi, in an unprecedented broadcast to the nation on television, radio and social media, said: "In the journey of every nation there are moments that bring utmost pride and have a historic impact on generations to come. One such moment is today," he said in an unprecedented broadcast to the nation on television, radio and social media.

"India has successfully tested the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile. Congratulations to everyone on the success of #MissionShakti," the prime minister tweeted later.

He said the action was not directed against any country and the satellite was a pre-determined target orbiting at an altitude of 300 km.

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The prime minister did not say who owned the satellite but added that India does not breach any international laws or treaties.

Mission Shakti, which was led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, was aimed at strengthening India's overall security, he said in his address that comes a fortnight before the start of the general election.

The last time Modi had addressed the nation was November 8, 2016 when he announced the demonetisation of high value currency notes.