Modi Opens Monsoon Session Praising Skyroot Rocket Success

Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 20, 2026, by highlighting India's growing space capabilities and praising the young team behind a landmark private rocket launch, while making a pointed reference to the age of opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. Speaking to reporters, Modi framed the session's commencement alongside the recent success of startup Skyroot Aerospace.

The Prime Minister stated that just two days prior, India's young startup ecosystem had achieved a major milestone. He specifically lauded Skyroot Aerospace, whose Vikram-1 rocket successfully completed its maiden orbital flight. Modi noted he had been informed the average age of the entire Skyroot team was 28 years. "Such youngsters have accomplished this work," he said. "I am not talking about any 56-year-old youngster, I am talking about these startups in the country with an average age of 28 that have planted India's flag in space." The comment was widely seen as a veiled swipe at 56-year-old Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, though Modi did not name him directly.

The mission, named 'Mission Aagaman', launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The 24-meter...