'He Is Making Heads Turn': ISRO Chief Somanath Praises SpaceX CEO Elon Musk

India needs a revolutionary transformation to become a developed economy, said ISRO Chairman S. Somanathan during the 13th convocation ceremony of the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Delhi. He highlighted the necessity of technological advancements and product development as key drivers for economic growth.

Somanathan praised tech innovator Elon Musk for his contributions to the space sector, noting that Musk's achievements have sparked global interest and inspired ISRO's efforts. "Elon Musk is making heads turn with his rockets. Everyone, from Europe to Russia to China, is looking at what he is doing. He is a great man doing fantastic work, and we are all inspired by his achievements."

"If India aspires to be a leading global economy, we need to create value in technology," the ISRO chief added. 

While acknowledging India’s recent success in lunar missions, Somanathan called for continuous innovation to enhance the nation's technological capabilities. He pointed out that to advance beyond being the fifth-largest global economy, India must develop expertise in propulsion, material sciences, and orbital dynamics.

He also commended the government’s initiatives to open the space sector to private players, asserting that this would accelerate development and improve competitiveness. Somanathan urged young engineers and scientists to embrace lifelong learning and adaptability to navigate future challenges.