Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised India's youth and the successful rocket launch by Hyderabad-based space start-up Skyroot Aerospace, while taking an apparent swipe at Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during his customary address ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Highlighting the achievement of the private space company, Modi said the mission reflected the talent and aspirations of young Indians and noted that the average age of the Skyroot team was just 28 years.

"India's youth have embarked on a new journey into space. I was told that the average age of the entire team working at the 'Skyroot' startup is merely 28 years. Young people like these have accomplished this feat. I am not speaking of a 56-year-old youth," the Prime Minister said.

Although he did not name Rahul Gandhi, the remark was widely seen as a reference to the 56-year-old Congress leader.

Modi said the success of Skyroot Aerospace demonstrated India's growing strength in private enterprise and innovation.

"Few countries in the world have witnessed such private enterprise. India's youth have embarked on a new journey into space. It is a tremendous success. India's global profile is gaining universal recognition and acceptance. This is no coincidence; it is a powerful message that the potential and aspirations of our country's youth are as boundless as space itself," he said.

Reflecting on the country's recent achievements, the Prime Minister said the past month had witnessed several milestones that had enhanced India's stature nationally and internationally.

"In just one month, the nation has achieved numerous milestones, a series of accomplishments that fill every citizen with pride. Be it on the national stage, the international arena or now, even in space, these have truly been moments of pride for India," he said.

He credited the achievements to the efforts of scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs and workers across the country.

"Very few countries in the world possess this facility. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of India's scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs and workers, all of whom are living and working with a shared goal for the nation," he added.

Modi also linked the country's progress to the government's reform agenda, saying policy reforms had created an ecosystem that enabled young innovators to succeed.

"It is the result of the country boarding the Reform Express that India's youth are able to show such great courage and achieve success," he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted India's economic performance, saying the country had gathered momentum across multiple sectors and that the Monsoon Session of Parliament was beginning at a time of growing national confidence and resilience.