Congress Targets Modi Over ISRO: EOS-05 Launch Hailed, Privatisation Row Escalates | News18

The successful launch of ISRO’s GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05 has triggered a fresh political debate between the Congress and the Narendra Modi government. ISRO successfully launched the advanced Earth Observation Satellite from Sriharikota on September 4, 2026, marking its first major launch success of the year. EOS-05 was injected into its intended sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit around 18 minutes after liftoff.Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge congratulated ISRO scientists and engineers, calling the mission a major achievement for India’s Earth-observation capabilities. Congress leaders, however, simultaneously raised concerns about the future role of ISRO and the government’s space-sector reforms.Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the Modi government of pursuing what he described as an aggressive privatisation agenda in the space programme. He alleged that the government’s proposed restructuring could significantly reduce ISRO’s role in rocket development and manufacturing and transfer some satellite-related assets to private companies. These are Congress allegations, not established findings.#ISRO #EOS05 #GSLVF17 #Congress #PMModi #JairamRamesh #MallikarjunKharge #ISROLaunch #SpaceNews #IndiaNewsn18oc_bereaking-newsCNN-News18 is your trusted source for breaking news, updates, and in-depth analysis from around the world. CNN-News18 is dedicated to bringing you the latest news, trends, and insights, helping you stay informed and up-to-date. Subscribe Now and join our community of informed and engaged viewers. Follow Every Breaking Story LIVE 🔴Watch News18 LIVE 24x7: https://youtube.com/live/rfDx1HMvXbQFollow us on Google: news18.co/cn18gFollow CNN News18 on X: https://x.com/CNNnews18Follow CNN News18 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnnnews18/Follow CNN News18 on Facebook: facebook.com/cnnnews18#GetCloserToTheNews with latest headlines on politics, sports and entertainment on news18.com