Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took an indirect swipe at Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi while addressing the media ahead of the start of Parliament's Monsoon Session. Referring to the successful launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital rocket by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, the Prime Minister praised the company's young workforce and remarked that their average age was 28 years, adding that he was "not talking about a 56-year-old youngster."

Highlighting the achievement of Skyroot Aerospace, PM Modi said the successful orbital launch reflected the growing capabilities of India's youth and the country's expanding presence in the global space sector. Vikram-1 successfully completed its mission by placing its payloads into an orbit of nearly 450 kilometres, making India the third country in the world to achieve private orbital launch capability. The Prime Minister described the mission as a milestone that showcased the confidence, innovation and aspirations of young Indians.

During his remarks, PM Modi noted that the average age of the team behind the mission was just 28 years and congratulated them for their achievement. He said their success had planted India's flag in space and served as an inspiration for the country's younger generation. Without naming Rahul Gandhi directly, he added that he was not referring to a "56-year-old youngster," a comment widely seen as an indirect political jibe at the Congress leader, who turned 56 this year.

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The exchange comes against the backdrop of long-standing political sparring between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress over slogans and public remarks. In the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Narendra Modi had popularised the phrase "56-inch chest" to project strength and decisive leadership. Over the years, Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have repeatedly used the same phrase to criticise the Prime Minister on issues ranging from national security to governance.

Continuing his address, PM Modi recalled that before last year's Monsoon Session, an Indian astronaut had travelled to the International Space Station, while this year the country celebrated the successful launch of Vikram-1 under Mission Aagaman. He said these achievements demonstrated that India's global standing was receiving increasing recognition and reflected the limitless potential of the nation's youth in science, technology and innovation.

The Prime Minister also expressed hope that both the ongoing monsoon season and Parliament's Monsoon Session would prove beneficial for the country. He said a productive monsoon supports agriculture and livelihoods, while a constructive parliamentary session contributes to national development through meaningful discussions and legislative work. The Monsoon Session commenced amid heightened political activity, with the government and opposition expected to debate several key national issues.

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