ISRO Chief: 10 Satellites Operate Round the Clock to Ensure Citizens' Safety

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan highlighted that at least 10 satellites are continuously working around the clock to ensure the safety and security of India's citizens. This effort is part of a strategic initiative to monitor the nation's borders and coastal areas, especially amid ongoing tensions with Pakistan. During his address at the 5th convocation ceremony of the Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Imphal, Narayanan emphasized the importance of satellite and drone technology for maintaining national security. He stated that India must use its satellites to monitor the country’s 7,000 km coastline and the northern borders.

The region along the northern and western International Borders (IB), particularly Jammu and Kashmir, had witnessed intense cross-border firing and drone attacks in recent days. However, the situation reportedly calmed between May 11 and May 12, with no violations of the cessation of hostilities. This marked the first peaceful night in several days, following heavy artillery shelling and drone attacks by Pakistan in response to India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attacks.

The Army reported that the border regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat had been under heavy shelling and drone strikes from Pakistan, aimed at disturbing peace. However, these attacks were largely neutralized by India's air defense systems. In retaliation, India’s Armed Forces destroyed 11 Pakistani air bases, inflicting significant damage to Pakistan’s military capabilities.

India’s Operation Sindoor, which commenced on May 7, targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and PoK. The operation was a direct response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which had resulted in the deaths of 26 people. Pakistan's military activities led to continued cross-border tensions, and despite attempts to de-escalate, violations continued.

At a joint press conference on Sunday, top Indian military officials, including Lieutenant General Rajeev Ghai, Vice Admiral A N Pramod, and Air Marshal A K Bharti, discussed the outcomes of the operation and the situation at the borders. Lieutenant General Ghai explained his communication with the Pakistan DGMO (Director General Military Operations) on May 10, which led to an agreement to cease hostilities. However, the Pakistan Army violated this agreement within hours by continuing cross-border firing and drone intrusions. India responded robustly to these violations, reaffirming its commitment to national security.

The conflict and its subsequent de-escalation efforts underscore the ongoing volatility along the India-Pakistan border. India’s proactive use of satellite and drone technology to monitor the borders, coupled with military retaliation, serves as a significant tool in ensuring national security during times of heightened tension. The situation remains delicate, with the potential for future escalations if diplomatic and military negotiations do not hold.