Amid the celebrations, a phone call brought an emotional moment for the young team. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally connected with the Skyroot team to share his appreciation and congratulate them for accomplishing the historic feat.
Speaking to Skyroot CEO and Co-founder Pawan Kumar Chandana and the team members listening on speakerphone, Prime Minister Modi said, “You have made India proud.”
The Prime Minister said the team had placed India’s aspirations in space while giving new direction to the dreams of the country’s youth. He praised the young engineers and scientists for demonstrating the capabilities of India’s younger generation.
Chandana informed the Prime Minister that the average age of the Skyroot team was 28 years. Responding to this, PM Modi said the team had proved his faith in India’s youth.
“Your team has proved
A landmark moment for India’s private space industry, with PM #Modi calling it a “historic new frontier as # Hyderabad-headquartered Skyroot Aerospace @SkyrootA successfully launches Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, today at 11:30 AM IST from… pic.twitter.com/duE2eLaXcK
— Ashish (@KP_Aashish) July 18, 2026
my faith in the youth of India right. Many doubted our space dreams, but this team has shown that if trusted, Indian youth can achieve remarkable success,” the Prime Minister told the team.
As Chandana thanked PM Modi for calling and appreciating their efforts, the Prime Minister said he “had to be part of this historic moment.” Referring to the mission name, “Aagaman,” PM Modi expressed confidence that the launch was only the beginning of Skyroot’s journey and that many more achievements awaited the talented team.
During the nine-minute congratulatory conversation, the Prime Minister praised the dedication and hard work of the Skyroot team, stating that they had taken India’s space story to a new level.
Chandana also revealed that the handwritten “Vande Mataram” note sent by Prime Minister Modi before the launch had travelled into space aboard Vikram-1.
“Vande Mataram is now in space,” Chandana told the Prime Minister while expressing his emotions during the conversation.
Explaining the reason behind sending the note, PM Modi said he wrote only “Vande Mataram” for two important reasons. He said that as the national song completed 150 years, he wanted to make the occasion more special. He also highlighted that Vande Mataram has continuously inspired the youth of India.
“You have lived the spirit of Vande Mataram,” PM Modi told the Skyroot team.
Prime Minister Modi concluded the call by encouraging the team to continue moving forward and aiming higher, assuring them of his support.
Spoke to the team of Skyroot Aerospace and congratulated them on the successful launch of Vikram-1.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 18, 2026
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
Later, in a post on X, Prime Minister Modi described the successful launch of Vikram-1 as a “defining moment” in India’s space journey. He said the increasing participation of the private sector was opening new opportunities and accelerating innovation in the space sector.
“This achievement will encourage countless youngsters to dream bigger and innovate fearlessly,” PM Modi added.
The successful mission has emerged as a significant milestone for India’s private space sector, with the Skyroot team’s achievement highlighting the growing role of young innovators in advancing the nation’s space ambitions.
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