'Momentous Occasion': South African President Ramaphosa Congratulates India On Chandrayaan-3 Success

“This is for us, as the BRICS family, is a momentous occasion and we rejoice with you. We join you in the joy of this great achievement," said South African President on the success of Chandrayaan-3

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated India on Wednesday on the success of Chandrayaan-3 calling it a “momentous occasion” for the BRICS. "I would like to congratulate India, particularly as you speak about the need for cooperation in Space ... India's spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 will be landing on the moon. We congratulate you,” President Ramaphosa said while delivering his address at the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit being held in Johannesburg. 

“This is for us, as the BRICS family, is a momentous occasion and we rejoice with you. We join you in the joy of this great achievement,” he added. 

The South African President also said that BRICS nations need to advance the interests of the Global South. "...BRICS nations need to advance the interests of the global south and call for industrialised countries to honour their commitments to support climate actions by developing economic progress,” he said. 

On Wednesday, the Chandrayaan-3 reached the Moon’s surface making India the fourth country after the United States, Soviet Union, and China to achieve the feat, and the first country to reach the Moon’s south pole. 

As the nation witnessed the history in making, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined from South Africa where he is currently present to attend the 15th BRICS Summit. "We are witness to the new flight of new India. New history has been written. This is a moment to cherish forever. India is now on the moon," PM Modi said in opening remarks.

"Kabhi kaha jata tha chanda mama bahut door ke hain, ab ek din wo bhi ayega jab bacche kaha karenge chanda mama bass ek tour ke hain (Once upon a time it was said that Chanda Mama (Moon) is far away. Now, one day too will come when children will say that the Moon is just a tour away)," the Prime Minister further said.

PM Modi also said India had set new, ambitious spce exploration targets for the future as he mentioned about missions to explore the Sun and other planets.

Celebrations broke out at ISRO's Mission Operations Complex in Bengaluru as the lander (Vikram), which carries a rover (Pragyan) in its belly, touched down near the south polar region of the Moon. With the achievement, India becomes the first country to reach the south pole of Earth's only natural satellite.