Indian leaders cheer as Chandrayaan touches down on the Moon

India on Wednesday (August 23) achieved a successful lunar landing near the moon’s south pole, underscoring India’s escalating expertise in space and technology. Political leaders from across India have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to applaud ISRO for the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3, expressing admiration for this remarkable achievement. 

PM Modi terms landing ‘historic moment’ 

Congratulating on the success and hailing the efforts of the ISRO scientists, PM Modi termed the historic moment the dawn of new India. 

“Chandrayaan-3's triumph mirrors the aspirations and capabilities of 140 crore Indians. To new horizons and beyond! Proud moment for India,” PM Modi posts on X (formerly Twitter). 

Truly momentous occasion: President Droupadi Murmu

After watching the live telecast of the moon landing of the Vikram lander, President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her congratulatory message to ISRO and everyone associated with the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

"There are days when history is made. Today, with the successful moon landing of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, our scientists have not only made history, but also remade the idea of geography! It is truly a momentous occasion, the kind of event that happens once in a lifetime, making all Indians proud. I congratulate ISRO and everybody involved in this mission, and wish them greater accomplishments ahead,” she posted. 

“The success of Chandrayaan, I believe, is also a major achievement for the whole of humankind. It shows how India has harnessed its rich traditional knowledge base along with modern science in the service of humanity,” President Murmu added. 

Unlocking gateway to space: HM Amit Shah

Stating that Chandrayaan-3’s landing has unlocked a gateway to space for Indian companies, Union Home Minister Amit Shah posted on X that, "India becomes the first nation to touch the south pole of the moon with the success of the Chandrayaan 3 Mission. The new space odyssey flies India's celestial ambitions to newer heights, setting it apart as the world's launchpad for space projects. Unlocking a gateway to space for Indian companies, it will create a plethora of employment opportunities for our youths.”

Success of Chandrayaan 3, collective success of every Indian: Kharge

On the success of Chandrayaan 3 landing on the Moon, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, "The success of Chandrayaan 3 is the collective success of every Indian. It is a matter of pride for all of us. 140 crore Indians witnessed yet another achievement in this six-decade-old space program today. “

“We salute the passion, hard work, and dedication of our scientists, space engineers, researchers, and everyone involved in making this mission a success....In 2008, when Chandrayaan-1, the Moon Impact Probe (MIP), landed on the Moon, carrying the Indian national flag, India became the fourth country to land a scientific instrument on the lunar surface....These achievements are a testimony to the vision of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who emphasised that only scientific temper can carry forward the spirit of development of an independent nation,” he added. 

Powerful display of capabilities: Yogi Adityanath 

On the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "Successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 is a powerful display of capabilities and power of new India. Under the Prime Minister's visionary leadership and guidance, ISRO scientists did what no one could do. “

Stating how difficult the task was, Yogi said, “Moon's south pole was impossible for the world until now, but our visionary scientists have made it possible. With the pure emotion of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, I congratulate all the scientists of ISRO and greet the nation for this success."

Rahul Gandhi congratulates ISRO team 

Congratulating the ISRO team for the big success, Congress leader and Wayand MP Rahul Gandhi posted, "Congratulations to Team ISRO for today's pioneering feat. Chandrayaan 3’s soft landing on the uncharted lunar South Pole is the result of decades of tremendous ingenuity and hard work by our scientific community. Since 1962, India’s space program has continued to scale new heights and inspire generations of young dreamers.”

New India: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh 

Congratulating the success, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on the successful landing of ISRO's third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3. "I congratulate the ISRO scientist for this success. This is new India and its arms extend from Mars to the Moon," he said.

India now on moon: FM Sitharaman 

Congratulating ISRO for the momentous success, Finance Minister Nirmala SItharaman took on X, “India is now on the moon. PM says “mera mann Chandrayaan(Chandrayaan Mission-3) mein bhi laga hua hai.” India lands on the South Pole of Moon Moon (Chandamama) mission is for the world/all to benefit. ISRO you are the leaders of the Space Era.”

This is historical: AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal 

Terming the moment historical, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal said, “This is historical. It is a big achievement for the country. It is a matter of pride for all of us. Many congratulations to all the countrymen, scientists, engineers and employees of ISRO for the success of Chandrayaan-3.”