New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appeared to take a swipe at Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi while praising the successful rocket launch by Hyderabad-based space startup Skyroot Aerospace, highlighting the achievements of India’s young innovators.
Addressing the media ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Modi said the average age of Skyroot’s team was just 28 years, calling it a testament to the talent and ambition of India’s youth.
“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,” the Prime Minister remarked.
Although he did not mention Rahul Gandhi by name, the comment was widely seen as a reference to the 56-year-old Congress leader.
PM hails India’s growing innovation ecosystem
Describing the launch as a milestone for India’s private space sector, Modi said only a few countries had witnessed such achievements through private enterprise. He added that the success reflected the limitless aspirations and capabilities of the country’s youth.
The Prime Minister also credited the government’s reform-driven approach for creating an environment where young entrepreneurs and innovators could thrive.
Highlights recent national achievements
Modi said the past month had been marked by several milestones that strengthened India’s global standing. He cited the inauguration of a major oil refinery in Rajasthan, the launch of the country’s third semiconductor plant, and the introduction of one of the world’s most advanced green hydrogen-powered trains.
Calling for a productive Monsoon Session, the Prime Minister urged all political parties to work together in Parliament while emphasising that India’s progress across sectors reflected the dedication of its scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and workers.