State your opinion on the following statement: India is a leading country in the field of space research.

Answer: I agree with the statement.

• Under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, India started its space programme; ISRO was established in 1969.
• India launched its first satellite Aryabhata (1975) and developed its own launch vehicles (SLV, PSLV, GSLV); the INSAT and IRS satellites serve communication, weather forecasting and resource mapping.
• Chandrayaan-1 (2008) found evidence of water on the Moon, Mangalyaan (2013) reached Mars orbit in its first attempt at low cost, and India has launched over 100 satellites in a single mission (2017).
• India also launches satellites for other countries, so it is one of the leading nations in space research.