At a recent convocation ceremony of the Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Imphal, the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), V Narayanan, revealed that India currently operates 10 satellites dedicated to enhancing the country’s safety and security. This announcement comes amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, underscoring the critical importance of space and surveillance technology in national defense.
Narayanan highlighted the geopolitical challenges faced by India, stating, “In the current geopolitical scenario, at least 10 satellites are continuously functioning for strategic purposes.” He stressed the necessity of advanced satellite and drone technologies to monitor India’s extensive 7,000-kilometer long coastline and northern borders, particularly given the increasing pressures from neighboring countries.
His statements follow the Indian Armed Forces’ launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7, aimed at retaliating against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was initiated in response to a grave terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. Reports from the Indian military indicated the successful destruction of 11 Pakistani air bases and vital terror infrastructure associated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Pakistan’s reaction included heavy shelling and drone assaults across various Indian states, such as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Nevertheless, India’s integrated air defense systems, bolstered by ISRO’s satellite network, efficiently neutralized these threats, with the Indian Army noting that the night of May 11-12 marked a significant milestone; it was the first incident-free night since the operation commenced.
In a joint press briefing on May 11, senior defense officials, including Lieutenant General Rajeev Ghai, Vice Admiral A N Pramod, and Air Marshal A K Bharti, discussed the strategic achievements of Operation Sindoor. They confirmed that a temporary ceasefire was established on May 10, yet it was quickly breached by Pakistan, leading to a robust counter-response from India.
Beyond national security, Narayanan also emphasized ISRO’s substantial contributions to sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, and rural development. He urged the 1,500 graduating students present to leverage their education and skills in alignment with India’s ambitions for progress. The ceremony, hosted at the College of Fisheries in Lembucherra, recognized academic accomplishments and the university’s efforts to advance agricultural innovation within the Northeastern region.
Concluding his address, Narayanan encouraged the youth to align their aspirations with the nation’s evolving priorities, particularly at the intersection of science and strategy, reinforcing the critical role that innovation will play in India’s future.
