PM Modi Says New Zealand’s Technology Contributed To Chandrayaan-3’s Success

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said New Zealand’s space industry made an important contribution to the success of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Auckland, PM Modi said India and New Zealand can expand space cooperation.

Recalling Chandrayaan-3’s landing, PM Modi said it sparked celebrations across New Zealand, especially among the Kiwi-Indian community. He said the mission filled everyone with pride and added that New Zealand’s technology also played a role in its success.

“When India’s Chandrayaan-3 landed on the Moon’s South Pole, the whole of New Zealand was dancing that day. And that day, we all felt proud. Now, let me tell you one more thing to be proud of. New Zealand’s technology has also contributed to this success,” PM Modi said.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched Chandrayaan-3, which successfully landed near the Moon’s South Pole on August 23, 2023.

The milestone made India the fourth nation to achieve a successful lunar landing and the first to reach the Moon’s southern polar region.

PM Modi described the space sector as a strong example of how India and New Zealand can drive mutual economic growth. He said New Zealand’s space companies have partnered with India, and both nations aim to deepen cooperation.

The Prime Minister said India’s space economy could reach nearly $40-45 billion within the next decade. He attributed this growth to policy reforms, increasing private sector participation and a rapidly developing innovation ecosystem.

PM Modi said missions such as Chandrayaan-3 have strengthened India’s position among the world’s leading space-faring nations. He added that the upcoming Gaganyaan programme will further boost India’s space capabilities.

PM Modi also noted that India has widely integrated space-based technology into infrastructure planning, project monitoring and public service delivery.

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