Addressing the 5th Convocation ceremony of the Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Imphal on Sunday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) Chairman V Narayanan said that at least 10 satellites are working round-the-clock for strategic purposes to ensure the safety and security of Indian citizens.

“You all know about our neighbours. If we have to ensure the safety of our country, we have to serve through our satellites. We have to monitor our 7,000 km seashore areas. We have to monitor the entire Northern part continuously. Without satellite and drone technology, we can’t achieve that,” he said.

Narayanan’s comments come amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.

In retaliation, India struck nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor on May 7. In response, Pakistan launched drone and missile strikes on India, which were intercepted and neutralised. On Saturday, both nations agreed to immediately halt all military actions on land, air and sea.

Speaking about India’s achievements in space, the Isro chairman said the Chandrayaan-1 mission discovered evidence of water molecules on the Moon’s surface, making India the first country to do so. He also said that India is becoming a “vibrant space power” and will have its first space station by 2040.

He added that India has launched and placed 433 satellites into orbit for 34 countries.

V Narayanan also said that India’s emergency response has improved a lot over the years. “Earlier, during disasters, thousands of people used to lose their lives, but that doesn’t happen now,” he said.

India’s space technology now helps in many areas, including telemedicine, education, weather forecasting and TV broadcasting, and is useful for both national security and everyday civilian needs, he added.

V Narayanan added that Isro is developing a satellite for G20 countries to study climate and air pollution and monitor weather.