Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took a pointed dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while celebrating the successful launch of a rocket by Hyderabad-based space startup Skyroot Aerospace, saying the achievement belonged to a team of young innovators with an average age of 28 years, “not some 56-year-old young man”.

At the customary address ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, PM Modi praised the country’s startup ecosystem and highlighted Skyroot’s recent milestone, calling it a moment of pride for India’s youth, while also urging the Opposition to ensure a productive session.

Although he did not name Rahul Gandhi, the jibe was apparently directed at the Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, who is 56 years old.

Expanding on the achievement, the Prime Minister said, “Few countries in the world have witnessed such private enterprise. India’s youth have embarked on a new journey into space. It is a tremendous success. India’s global profile is gaining universal recognition and acceptance. This is no coincidence; it is a powerful message that the potential and aspirations of our country’s youth are as boundless as space itself”.

The Prime Minister added that the past month had been marked by a series of milestones that had enhanced India’s standing both at home and abroad.

“In just one month, the nation has achieved numerous milestones, a series of accomplishments that fill every citizen with pride. Be it on the national stage, the international arena, or now, even in space, these have truly been moments of pride for India,” Modi said.

He added, “Very few countries in the world possess this facility. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of India’s scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs and workers, all of whom are living and working with a shared goal for the nation”.

The Prime Minister also linked these achievements to the government’s reform agenda, saying the country’s young innovators were benefiting from an ecosystem created through sustained policy reforms.

“It is the result of the country boarding the Reform Express that India’s youth are able to show such great courage and achieve success,” he said.

Listing recent infrastructure and technology milestones, Modi said a massive oil refinery had recently been dedicated to the nation in Rajasthan, while the country’s third semiconductor plant had also been inaugurated. He added that India had introduced one of the world’s most advanced green hydrogen-powered trains, featuring the most powerful engine and the longest configuration of its kind.

The PM added the economic performance reflected India’s resilience and ambition, adding that Parliament’s Monsoon Session was beginning at a time when the country had gathered momentum across sectors.