PM Modi Praises Skyroot Aerospace Launch, Takes Swipe at Rahul Gandhi Ahead of Parliament Session

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the successful rocket launch by Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace, calling it a proud achievement for India's young innovators. While highlighting the startup's youthful workforce, the Prime Minister also appeared to take a political swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his address ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Speaking to the media, PM Modi said the average age of the team behind Skyroot Aerospace's achievement was just 28 years, contrasting it with "a 56-year-old young man" in an apparent reference to Rahul Gandhi, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

PM Modi Highlights India's Young Innovators

Praising India's growing startup ecosystem, the Prime Minister said the country's youth were leading a new era of innovation and technological advancement.

"India's youth have embarked on a new journey into space. I was told that the average age of the entire team working at the Skyroot startup is merely 28 years. Young people like these have accomplished this feat. I am not speaking of a 56-year-old youth," PM Modi said.

Although he did not mention Rahul Gandhi by name, the remark was widely seen as a political jibe aimed at the Congress leader.

Skyroot Aerospace's Achievement

The Prime Minister described the successful mission as a milestone for India's private space sector and a reflection of the country's growing global stature.

He said the achievement demonstrated the limitless aspirations and capabilities of India's youth, adding that only a handful of countries have witnessed such progress through private enterprise in the space sector.

According to PM Modi, the success reflects the collective efforts of India's scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, innovators and workers who are contributing to the country's technological growth.

Government Reforms Credited for Startup Growth

PM Modi linked the success of startups such as Skyroot Aerospace to the government's reform-oriented policies.

He said sustained reforms have created an ecosystem that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship and risk-taking among young Indians.

Referring to India's recent achievements, the Prime Minister said the country has gained momentum across multiple sectors because of long-term policy initiatives.

Recent National Achievements Highlighted

During his address, PM Modi also highlighted several recent infrastructure and technology milestones, including:

• Dedication of a major oil refinery in Rajasthan.
• Inauguration of India's third semiconductor manufacturing plant.
• Introduction of one of the world's most advanced green hydrogen-powered trains.
• Continued growth of India's private space sector.

He said these developments have strengthened India's position on both the national and international stage.

Call for a Productive Monsoon Session

Ahead of the commencement of Parliament's Monsoon Session, the Prime Minister urged all political parties to ensure constructive discussions.

He said the session comes at a time when India is witnessing significant progress in infrastructure, technology, manufacturing and innovation, and expressed hope that Parliament would contribute meaningfully to the country's development agenda.

Key Highlights

• PM Modi praised Skyroot Aerospace's successful rocket launch.
• He said the startup's team has an average age of 28 years.
• The Prime Minister made an apparent swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by referring to a "56-year-old young man."
• Modi credited government reforms for fostering India's startup ecosystem.
• He also highlighted achievements in the space, semiconductor, energy and railway sectors.
• The remarks came ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

FAQs

What did PM Modi say about Skyroot Aerospace?

PM Modi praised the startup's successful rocket launch and highlighted that its team has an average age of 28 years, calling it a symbol of India's young innovators.

Why is PM Modi's remark being discussed?

During his speech, the Prime Minister referred to "a 56-year-old young man," a remark widely interpreted as an apparent reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

What is Skyroot Aerospace?

Skyroot Aerospace is a Hyderabad-based private space startup developing launch vehicles and contributing to India's growing commercial space sector.

What other achievements did PM Modi highlight?

He mentioned the inauguration of India's third semiconductor plant, a major oil refinery in Rajasthan and the introduction of a green hydrogen-powered train.

When were these remarks made?

The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing the media ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.