Image copyright ISRO Image caption Indian space agency's trusted GSLV rocket carried the satellite into space

India has successfully launched a new communications satellite for South Asia from Sriharikota space centre. After coming to power in May 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked ISRO scientists to develop a SAARC satellite that can be dedicated to neighbouring countries as a “gift from India.”

On his 'Mann ki baat' programme on Sunday last, Modi had announced that the South Asia Satellite would be India's “priceless gift” to its neighbouring countries. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV F-09 carrying the communication and broadcasting satellite took from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota at 4.57 p.m.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his recent radio address to the nation 'Mann Ki Baat' had said the South Asia Satellite was India's gift to the region, that will go a long way in addressing the economic and development priorities of the nations in the region.
ISRO has successfully launched a new communications satellite for South Asia from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, India.