In a video conference address along with other SAARC leaders, Mr Modi said, through the satelite the nations will achieve effective communication, better governance, better banking services and better education in remote areas. He said, the launch has started a journey to build the most advanced frontier of partnership in South Asia.

Mr Modi said, when the nations join hands and mutually share fruits of knowledge, technology and growth, they can speed up development and prosperity. The Prime Minister said, the coming together of nations is a sign of the unshakeable resolve to place the needs of the peoples in the forefront. He said, two years ago, India made a promise to extend the advanced space technology for the cause of growth and prosperity of the brothers and sisters in South Asia. He said, ISRO team has led from the front in developing the South Asia Satellite as per the regions’ requirements.

In his address, President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani said, through this cooperation, the South Asian nations have to work for the poor and the deprived. He said, development must be citizen centric and today’s development is child centred and women centred and makes governance accessible. He said, India’s efforts Bangladesh Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina said, betterment of the people of South Asia can happen through this fruitful engagement and it is also a testimony to self reliance in space technology.

Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay said, the launch ushers in a new era of regional cooperation and augurs well for nations like Bhutan. He said, the gift from India is an example of true friendship and cooperation and will bring common progress of the region.

President of Maldives Abdullah Yameen said, the launch is an example of India’s ‘neighbour first policy. He said, the nations must work for common good and better economic opportunities.

Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda said, the satellite will enhance connectivity and will be helpful to provide communication services in the mountain and hilly regions of Nepal.

President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena said, the initiative will provide assistance to many priority areas of the region. He hoped that the initiative will support people in all regions, enhance economic conditions and help in eliminating poverty.

In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the launch tells that even the sky is not the limit in regional cooperation.