As India navigates heightened tensions with Pakistan, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is playing a pivotal role in ensuring national security from the skies. On May 11, 2025, ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan revealed that 10 satellites are working round-the-clock to monitor India’s borders and strategic assets, providing critical support during this volatile period. Speaking at the 5th convocation of Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Imphal, Narayanan highlighted ISRO’s broader contributions to agriculture, education, and climate studies—showing how space tech is transforming both security and daily life. Let’s explore how these satellites are keeping India safe, what else ISRO is up to, and how you can learn more about India’s space endeavors!
India-Pakistan Tensions: The Context
The backdrop to ISRO’s efforts is the recent escalation between India and Pakistan, which intensified after the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 people. India retaliated with Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), as reported by The Hindu. Pakistan responded with drone strikes, missile launches, and cross-border firing, which India’s air defense systems neutralized, per NDTV. A ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10, but violations by Pakistan, including drone intrusions, have kept tensions high, according to Hindustan Times.
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations, noted that while the ceasefire initially brought calm, Pakistan violated the agreement within hours, prompting a robust Indian response. Amid this conflict, ISRO’s satellites have been instrumental in providing real-time intelligence to secure India’s 7,000-km coastline and northern borders, as Narayanan emphasized during his speech.
ISRO’s 10 Satellites: A 24/7 Security Net
Dr. Narayanan shared a powerful update: “At least 10 satellites are continuously working 24/7 for a strategic purpose to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the country.” These satellites, likely part of ISRO’s RISAT (Radar Imaging Satellite) and Cartosat series, are equipped with advanced imaging and surveillance capabilities. They can:
- Monitor Borders: Track troop movements, drone activity, and missile launches in real time, even through cloud cover or at night, thanks to synthetic aperture radar (SAR).
- Protect Assets: Safeguard military bases and civilian infrastructure, as seen during Operation Sindoor when India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) thwarted Pakistani drone and missile attacks on May 8-10, per NDTV.
- Support Defense Operations: Provide data for precision strikes, like those on Pakistan’s Nur Khan and Rahim Yar Khan airbases, which left significant damage, according to The Times of India.
This satellite network has been a game-changer, enabling India to maintain a multi-layered defense grid that Lt. Gen. Ghai likened to a cricket fielding strategy—strong and impenetrable. For more on India’s defense tech, check out DRDO’s official site.
Beyond Security: ISRO’s Broader Impact
Narayanan didn’t stop at security—he highlighted ISRO’s role in improving everyday life across India:
- Agriculture & Food Security: Satellites like Resourcesat help farmers with crop monitoring and yield prediction, supporting India’s food production, which has grown from 54 million tons in the 1950s to over 250 million tons today, per Trak.in.
- Education & Telemedicine: ISRO’s GSAT series enables tele-education and telemedicine, bringing learning and healthcare to remote areas.
- Climate and Weather: ISRO is developing a satellite for G20 countries to study climate change, air pollution, and weather patterns, a move that could benefit global sustainability efforts.
India’s space achievements are also global—ISRO has launched 433 satellites for 34 countries, and Chandrayaan-1 made history by discovering water molecules on the Moon, a feat Narayanan proudly noted. Want to dive deeper into ISRO’s missions? Visit ISRO’s official website.
Why This Matters for India
The timing of Narayanan’s remarks couldn’t be more critical. With Pakistan’s recent actions, including drone attacks and missile strikes, India’s ability to monitor its borders from space gives it a strategic edge. Posts on X reflect public sentiment, with users praising ISRO’s “silent but powerful” role in national security under hashtags like #OperationSindoor. However, some voices on X question whether satellite surveillance alone can address the root causes of the conflict, urging diplomatic solutions alongside military readiness—a reminder to critically examine the broader narrative.
For students and professionals, ISRO’s work opens up exciting opportunities. Narayanan announced that 100 science students from each Northeastern state will soon visit ISRO’s Bengaluru center to inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts. Interested in a career in space tech? Explore opportunities at IIST.
How to Stay Informed
The India-Pakistan situation is evolving rapidly, and ISRO’s contributions are just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s how to keep up:
- Follow Live Updates: Track the latest on the ceasefire and military developments at The Hindu.
- Learn About Satellites: ISRO’s YouTube channel offers fascinating insights into its satellite programs—check it out at ISRO’s YouTube.
- Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on X using #ISRO or #IndiaPakistanConflict—what role do you think space tech should play in national security?
What’s Next for ISRO?
Looking ahead, ISRO aims to launch its own space station by 2040, a goal Narayanan mentioned at the CAU convocation, per Deccan Chronicle. This ambition, alongside projects like the G20 climate satellite, positions India as a global leader in space tech. But as tensions with Pakistan persist, ISRO’s immediate focus remains on leveraging its satellite network to keep India safe—a mission that’s as inspiring as it is critical.
What do you think about ISRO’s role in national security? Are you excited about India’s space future? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts! For more science and tech news, visit The Indian Express Science Section.