Following the flawless and gentle touchdown of the lunar lander Vikram on the moon’s South pole, Prime Minister Narendra Modi found himself engaged in responding to an outpouring of congratulatory messages from leaders around the world.
Among the earliest well-wishers was UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who lauded India’s historic feat of becoming the first to land on the moon’s South Pole. Sheikh Mohamed emphasized that this achievement marked a significant stride for collective scientific advancement.
In reply, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed, noting that this milestone wasn’t just a source of pride for India but also a symbol of human determination and tenacity. He envisioned that India’s scientific and space pursuits would contribute to a brighter future for all.
Responding to greetings from EU President Ursula von der Leyen, PM Modi thanked her and affirmed India’s ongoing commitment to exploration, learning, and sharing for the betterment of humanity. President von der Leyen hailed the Chandrayaan-3 landing as a historic milestone and a moment of pride for the Indian people. She highlighted that India’s success in space exploration held immense global significance.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also weighed in, stating that India’s achievement had opened new avenues for humanity. He regarded this mission as a testament to the power of science and its potential to propel progress and research. Prime Minister Modi acknowledged Sánchez’s words, underscoring India’s dedication to shaping a more promising future through the tools of science.
Even the President of Madagascar took to social media to commend India for the historic lunar landing. The President celebrated this accomplishment as an inspiration for all of humanity, emphasizing that the achievement belonged to everyone. PM Modi appreciated the President’s kind words and expressed his belief that India’s strides in space would benefit humanity in the days ahead.
PM Modi extended his personal gratitude to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had attended the BRICS summit in Johannesburg.
In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Modi extended his thanks to South Asian leaders, including Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, and Maldives Prime Minister Ibrahim Solih.
Nepal’s PM had hailed the Chandrayaan-3 mission as a historic advancement in science and space technology. Prime Minister Solih, speaking from the perspective of a fellow South Asian nation, celebrated India’s accomplishment with pride. Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering conveyed his country’s joy over the auspicious landing of Chandrayaan-3.
On that same day, PM Modi acknowledged the enthusiasm of the Indian diaspora in South Africa for India’s achievements in the space sector. He shared his delight at feeling their fervor all the way from Johannesburg and posted images of himself interacting with diaspora members gathered at a hotel. Chandrayaan-3 had successfully executed a soft landing on the moon that day.
