PM Modi praises Skyroot’s space success, takes swipe at Rahul Gandhi over ‘56-year-old youth’ remark

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace for its recent space achievement and used the occasion to highlight the growing role of young innovators in India’s rapidly expanding space sector. While speaking ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Prime Minister also made a political remark that was widely seen as a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Modi said that India’s progress in science, technology and space exploration is increasingly being driven by the country’s young talent. Referring to Skyroot Aerospace’s successful rocket launch, he pointed out that the average age of the startup’s team is only 28 years. According to him, this reflects the energy, ambition and capabilities of a new generation that is helping India make its mark on the global stage.

The Prime Minister’s comments came during a media interaction before the start of Parliament’s Monsoon Session. Along with discussing national achievements, he expressed hope that lawmakers would work together productively during the session and focus on issues that matter to the country’s development.

Skyroot Aerospace has emerged as one of India’s most prominent private space startups. Its success is being viewed as another milestone for the country’s growing private space industry, which has expanded significantly since the government opened the sector to greater private participation.

While praising the company’s achievement, Modi highlighted the importance of supporting innovation and entrepreneurship among young Indians. He said that the success of startups such as Skyroot demonstrates how India’s youth are helping shape the nation’s future in advanced technologies and scientific research.

During his remarks, the Prime Minister made a statement that quickly drew attention in political circles. Speaking about the age of the Skyroot team, he said that the achievement belonged to young people with an average age of 28 and added that he was “not speaking of a 56-year-old youth.”

Though he did not mention anyone by name, the comment was widely interpreted as an indirect reference to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. The remark immediately became a talking point, with political observers viewing it as another example of the ongoing rivalry between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress.

Despite the political undertone, the main focus of Modi’s speech remained on India’s achievements and the contribution of young innovators to the country’s growth.

Space achievements and hopes for Parliament

The Prime Minister also used the occasion to reflect on a series of recent achievements that he said have strengthened India’s position internationally. He noted that the country has made important progress in several areas over the past year, particularly in space exploration and technology.

Modi recalled that an Indian citizen had recently travelled to the International Space Station, calling it a proud moment for the country. He said that achievements like these show how India is steadily expanding its presence in fields that were once dominated by only a few nations.

According to the Prime Minister, the success of private companies such as Skyroot Aerospace represents a new chapter in India’s space journey. He said that only a limited number of countries have developed strong private participation in the space sector, and India’s emergence in this area reflects the confidence and capabilities of its young workforce.

He described the achievements of Indian startups as a message to the world that the aspirations of India’s youth are limitless. Comparing their ambitions to the vastness of space, Modi said the country’s younger generation is helping India reach new heights in innovation, science and technology.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the importance of creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs and researchers. He said that when talented young people are given the right support, they can achieve remarkable results and contribute to the nation’s progress.

ALSO READ: Trump threatens tariffs on Canada as wildfire smoke worsens air quality across the US

ALSO READ: Iran claims it destroyed US aircraft in Jordan after deadly American strikes in Iran

Turning to the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, Modi expressed hope that lawmakers from all parties would focus on meaningful discussions and constructive debate. Using a comparison with the rainy season, he said both the monsoon and the parliamentary session are beneficial when they function effectively.

He noted that a productive Parliament can help advance national development and improve the lives of citizens. The Prime Minister said he hoped the session would result in positive outcomes and important decisions that would benefit the country.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came at a time when India’s private space sector is attracting increasing attention from investors, scientists and policymakers. Since the government introduced reforms allowing greater private participation, several startups have entered the field, developing technologies related to rockets, satellites and space research.

Skyroot Aerospace is among the leading companies in this new ecosystem. Its recent success has been celebrated as proof that Indian startups can compete in a highly advanced and competitive global industry.

As India continues to invest in innovation and scientific research, the achievements of young entrepreneurs are becoming an important part of the country’s growth story. Modi’s speech highlighted this trend, presenting the success of Skyroot Aerospace as an example of how India’s youth are helping transform the nation’s future.

While his political remark generated headlines, the broader message of the speech focused on encouraging innovation, celebrating scientific achievements and recognising the role of young Indians in shaping the country’s journey in space and technology. As Parliament begins its Monsoon Session, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that India’s progress will continue, driven by the energy, creativity and ambition of its younger generation.