'South Asia satellite' will foster South Asian cooperation: Modi

May 5, the skies above the island of Sriharikota on the coast of the Bay of Bengal will be lit up as the Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle on its 11th mission will carry a message of peace.

New Delhi, April 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the 'South Asia Satellite' to be launched by India on May 5, will go a long way in addressing the region's economic and developmental priorities.

"The capacities of this satellite and the facilities it provides will go a long way in addressing South Asia's economic and developmental priorities," the Prime Minister said in his radio address 'Mann Ki Baat'.

"Natural resources mapping, tele medicine, the field of education, deeper IT connectivity or fostering people-to-people contact, this satellite will prove to be a boon in the progress of the entire region."

"It is an important step by India to enhance cooperation with the entire South Asia. It is an invaluable gift. This is an appropriate example of our commitment towards South Asia. I welcome all the South Asian countries who have joined us on the South Asia Satellite in this momentous endeavour," he added.

The communication satellite GSAT-9 will be launched using Indian Space Research Organisation's heavy rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle.

All South Asian countries, except Pakistan, are part of this project.

IANS