The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has congratulated the Department of Space for the successful launch of communication satellite GSAT-8. Prime Minister rang up Space Secretary K. Radhakrishnan at the launch site and conveyed his greetings.

In his message he said: "The successful launch has once again demonstrated the versatility and reliability of Indian space programme. This launch will augument communication networks in the country and help us meet the challenge of providing affordable radio and television connectivity and world class GPS services to millions of our countrymen."