New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the nation and announced that India joined an elite club of space powers in the world by successfully executing its cutting edge space program 'Mission Shakti'. The Prime Minister announced that India is only the fourth nation in the world to have the capability of shooting down a low orbit satellite with A-SAT missile.

It was a landmark moment for Indian space research as it had achieved this unique feat after the United States, Russia and China. "Our scientists have shot down a Low Earth Orbit live satellite via anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile in a test mission," PM Modi said. The mission was completed within three minutes of launch, said PM Modi.

"The Mission Shakti operation required special skills by our scientists. It is a proud moment for all Indians. I congratulate all DRDO officials," PM Narendra Modi said.

The major development by PM Modi was given to the nation days ahead of General Elections. Lok Sabha Elections 2019 will take place across India over the next two months of April and May. Voting for the General Elections will take place in seven phases between April 11 and May 19. The counting of votes for all 543 seats of the Lok Sabha will take place on May 23.