‘Milestone In India’s Space Journey’: PM Modi Congratulates Skyroot After Historic Vikram-1 Launch

Published 18 July 2026 · local

‘Milestone In India’s Space Journey’: PM Modi Congratulates Skyroot After Historic Vikram-1 Launch Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 13:28 IST PM Modi congratulated

‘Milestone In India’s Space Journey’: PM Modi Congratulates Skyroot After Historic Vikram-1 Launch Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 13:28 IST PM Modi congratulated Skyroot Aerospace on Vikram-1's successful launch. He praised the young engineers and invited the team to meet him. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises Skyroot after Vikram-1’s successful launch. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Skyroot Aerospace after the successful launch of Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, calling it a “great achievement for the country" and “a significant milestone in the country’s space journey." Speaking to the Skyroot team over the phone shortly after the launch, the prime minister said he had watched the historic liftoff and praised the young engineers behind the mission. “I was watching the launch," Modi told the team, adding that “the team behind the launch is a very young team." “I congratulate the whole team," he said. VIDEO | Sri Harikota, Andhra Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) congratulates Skyroot Aerospace over a telephone call after India’s first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1, successfully reaches orbit, completing its final burn and injecting payloads… pic.twitter.com/lctCsAwMtu— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 18, 2026 The Hyderabad-based startup’s Mission Aagaman lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota at 12.05 pm, after a brief hold just minutes before the scheduled 11.30 am launch.

Also Read: India Scripts New Space Milestone As Private Orbital Rocket Vikram-1 Lifts Off The launch marked the first time a privately developed orbital-class rocket attempted to reach orbit from Indian soil, opening a new chapter for India’s private space sector. Spoke to the team of Skyroot Aerospace and congratulated them on the successful launch of Vikram-1.This is a defining moment in India’s space journey. The growing participation of our private sector is opening new frontiers and accelerating innovation. This achievement will… pic.twitter.com/epWjOY8yKa — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 18, 2026 Calling it only the beginning, Modi urged the team to continue building on the achievement. “This mission is just the starting…we have to take it forward," he said. PM Invites Skyroot Aerospace’s Team Describing the launch as an “important day for the space mission of India," the prime minister also invited the Skyroot team to meet him. “I invite you to meet me very soon," he said. Modi said the successful mission demonstrated India’s growing self-reliance in the space sector. “You have shown to the world that we are capable of being aatmanirbhar in the world of space," he told the team. Also Read: ‘History Is Made’: Moment India’s First Private Orbital Rocket Vikram-1 Lifts Off | Watch ‘Vande Matram Message Reached New Heights’ The prime minister also referred to one of the symbolic payloads carried aboard Vikram-1, a card bearing his message “Vande Matram" along with greetings from supporters around the world.