During the 5th Convocation Ceremony of the Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Imphal, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan emphasized the crucial role satellites play in safeguarding India’s national security. He stated that a minimum of 10 satellites are operating round-the-clock with a strategic focus, continuously monitoring the country’s vast territory—including its 7,000-kilometre-long coastline and the northern borders.

Narayanan remarked that in the current geopolitical climate—especially with escalating tensions between India and Pakistan—satellite and drone technologies are indispensable. Without them, he said, it would be nearly impossible to secure such a vast nation effectively. His statement comes just days after a near-war situation following the Pahalgam terror attack, which led India to target terror factories in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In retaliation, Pakistan launched drone and missile strikes, which were successfully intercepted by Indian forces. Fortunately, both nations have since agreed to halt all military actions across land, air, and sea.

Beyond security, Narayanan also highlighted the broad spectrum of services ISRO provides to the common people. These include support in agriculture, tele-education, telemedicine, television broadcasting, weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, food security, and disaster management.

He also spoke about India’s achievements in space exploration, particularly the Chandrayaan-1 mission, which was the first to discover water molecules on the Moon’s surface. He noted that India has launched 433 satellites for 34 countries, showcasing the country’s growing capabilities in the global space arena.