India today successfully launched five foreign satellites from four countries on board PSLV-C23 rocket which placed them in orbit.

The five satellites, launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, include two from Germany, and one each from France, Canada and Singapore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi who witnessed the lift off congratulated the scientists for the successful launch.

The Prime Minister said technology is fundamentally connected with the common man and as a change agent, it can empower and connect, to transform his life.

The Prime Minister said, technology has a critical role in realizing the vision of a Digital India. Narendra Modi asked the scientists to involve more youngsters in developing innovative technologies in space science. Appreciating the hardwork of the scientists of four generations in keeping the pace with the technology,Narendra Modi appealed to them to develop a space technology which could be handed over as a gift for the SAARC Countries.

Mr.Modi was seen clapping his hands during the take off event and also when all the satellites were placed in orbit on time.

He later met all the scientists at the Mission control centre and congratulated them.

President Pranab Mukherjee has congratulated the Indian Space Research Organization, ISRO for the successful launch of PSLV-C23. In his message Mr Mukherjee said , the nation is proud of this important achievement. He described it as a significant milestone in the progress of the country's space capabilities.