lection campaign by promising development with national security. A coalition led by Mr Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is widely expected to retain power in a staggered election beginning on April 11, especially given recent violent cross-border confrontation with Pakistan. Anti-satellite weapons, called ASAT, such as the missile India tested are capable of attacking enemy satellites by jamming communications or destroying them.
Pakistan has several satellites in orbit including a remote sensing satellite that was launched in 2018 with the help of China.
Only three other countries – the US, Russia and China – have the capabilities to use an anti-satellite missile.
Mr Modi told a rally in Uttar Pradesh the test was for India’s defence and security but it already been branded provocative by Pakistan and China and raised immediate concerns about the militarisation of space.
A spokesman for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “Boasting of such capabilities is reminiscent of Don Quixote’s tilting against windmills.
“Space is the common heritage of mankind and every nation has the responsibility to avoid actions which can lead to the militarisation of this arena.”
Opposition leaders dismissed the announcement as a publicity stunt.
Akhilesh Yadav, former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and one of Delhi’s most fierce critics, said: “Mr Modi’s announcement got himself an hour of free TV to divert the nation’s attention away from issues on ground.”
Tension with neighbouring Pakistan soared last month after a suicide bomb attack in the Indian part of the disputed Kashmir region killed 40 Indian paramilitary police. The bombing was claimed by a Pakistan-based militant group.
India retaliated with an air raid against a suspected militant camp in northern Pakistan.
India’s general election, the world’s biggest democratic exercise with about 900 million eligible voters, will be held in phases ending on May 19. Votes will be counted on May 23.
Pollsters say Modi’s chances have improved significantly thanks to his tough stance on Pakistan
At the rally, Mr Modi repeatedly spoke about the Indian bombing of the suspected militant camp.