India’s journey to becoming a space power is marked by its historic anti-satellite missile test, Mission Shakti, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. This pivotal event underscored India’s commitment to strategic autonomy and advanced defense capabilities. The test, executed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), placed India among the few global powers with advanced space defense technologies, demonstrating its ability to neutralize threats in orbit. This move was not only a display of technological prowess but also a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in defense capabilities. Following Mission Shakti, India has embarked on developing more sophisticated anti-satellite systems, exploring space-based surveillance, and fostering international collaborations to ensure the long-term sustainability of space operations. These initiatives aim at enhancing India’s geopolitical footprint and securing its assets against the backdrop of an increasingly contested outer space environment. Modi’s vision has transformed India’s global standing, emphasizing assertive and responsible engagement in space exploration and security, making Mission Shakti a cornerstone in India’s strategic ascent in the space domain.