Hours after India successfully tested its anti-satellite missile (ASAT), its neighbouring countries – Pakistan and China – strongly reacted to India’s space capabilities and successful “Shakti Mission”, according to reports.
China has guardedly reacted to India’s anti-satellite missile test and in a written statement, China expressed hopes that all nations “can earnestly protect lasting peace and tranquillity in space”.
With the report on India successfully test-firing an anti-satellite missile, China’s foreign minister stated: “We have noticed reports and hope that each country will uphold peace and tranquillity in outer space”.
Meanwhile, Pakistan, India’s arch-rival, appealed to the international community to condemn New Delhi’s space anti-satellite missile test and tighten international laws related to the space militarization.
Islamabad has reportedly stated that space is a “common heritage of mankind and every nation has the responsibility to avoid actions which can lead to the militarization of this arena”. Pakistan has issued a call against the military threats in the outer space.
A Pakistani government spokesperson was quoted by India Today news stating: “We hope that countries which have in the past strongly condemned demonstration of similar capabilities by others will be prepared to work towards developing international instruments to prevent military threats relating to outer space.”
In an official statement, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said, “Space is the common heritage of mankind and every nation has the responsibility to avoid actions which can lead to the militarization of this arena.’
Without mentioning India’s name, the ministry said: “We hope that countries which have in the past strongly condemned demonstration of similar capabilities by others will be prepared to work towards developing international instruments to prevent military threats relating to outer space.”
Meanwhile, the United States said on Wednesday Washington took notes on the Indian government statement on “Mission Shakti”, while also voicing concerns on the issue of space debris, according to ANI news reports.
In a statement, the US state department said, “The issue of space debris is an important concern for the US government. We took note of Indian government statements that the test was designed to address space debris issues.”
Department’s statement has also mentioned as a part of both countries partnership, Washington will continue to hold a shared interest in space and development, technical and scientific cooperation, including a collaboration over security and safety in space.
It noted: “The State Department saw PM Modi’s statement that announced India’s anti-satellite test. As part of our strong strategic partnership with India, we will continue to pursue shared interests in space and scientific and technical cooperation, including collaboration on safety and security in space.”