’Not speaking of a 56-year-old youth’: PM Modi takes apparent swipe at Rahul Gandhi

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jul 20, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appeared to take a swipe at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi while praising the successful rocket launch by Hyderabad-based space startup Skyroot Aerospace ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Addressing the media, Modi highlighted the achievement of the startup’s young team, noting that their average age is just 28 years.

"India’s youth have embarked on a new journey into space. I was told that the average age of the entire team working at the Skyroot startup is merely 28 years. Young people like these have accomplished this feat. I am not speaking of a 56-year-old youth," the Prime Minister said, in what was widely seen as a reference to Rahul Gandhi.

Modi praised India’s rapid progress in science, innovation, and space technology, saying the country’s youth were playing a key role in shaping its future.

He said India had achieved several significant milestones over the past month, particularly in the space sector, and that these accomplishments had enhanced the country’s global standing.

"In just one month, the nation has achieved numerous milestones that make every Indian proud. Whether on the national stage, the international arena, or now in space, these achievements have brought pride to the country," he said.

Recalling recent developments in India’s space programme, Modi noted that an Indian citizen had reached the International Space Station shortly before last year’s Monsoon Session and said the recent success of a private Indian startup marked another historic achievement.

"Few countries have witnessed such progress through private enterprise in the space sector. India’s youth have embarked on a new journey into space. Their achievements send a powerful message that the potential and aspirations of our young people are as limitless as space itself," he added.

Skyroot Aerospace’s successful rocket launch is being seen as another major milestone for India’s rapidly growing private space sector, with Modi using the occasion to underline the crucial role of young innovators in driving the country’s technological advancement.