On August 23, 2023, India achieved a significant milestone by successfully landing its third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, on the moon’s south pole. This remarkable feat made India the fourth country in the world to accomplish such a mission, following the footsteps of the United States, Russia, and China. Chandrayaan-3’s primary objectives were to study the lunar surface and subsurface and test new technologies for future space exploration endeavors.
While the world celebrated this scientific achievement, a UK-based news presenter, Patrick Christys, who hosts a show on TalkRadio, created a firestorm of controversy. In a video clip that rapidly went viral on social media, Christys congratulated India on its lunar landing but then delivered a provocative statement, suggesting that India should no longer seek foreign aid from Britain. Furthermore, he demanded that India return the £2.3 billion of aid Britain had provided over the past decade.
Patrick Christys’ comments did not go unnoticed. Indians and individuals worldwide swiftly condemned his remarks, labeling them as racist, ignorant, and fueled by jealousy toward India’s progress. Many netizens seized the moment to remind Christys of the historical exploitation and plundering of India by Britain during colonial rule, which, when adjusted for inflation, amounts to an estimated $45 trillion today.
Some pointed out the misperception regarding India’s space program. India’s space endeavors have been largely self-funded, operating on a notably modest budget compared to other space-faring nations. India’s foreign aid from the UK and other countries has primarily been allocated for humanitarian and developmental purposes, including initiatives related to health, education, and climate change mitigation.
While the UK government has not issued an official response to Christys’ comments, it is worth noting that in 2015, the UK announced the discontinuation of its bilateral aid program to India by 2021. However, it committed to providing technical assistance and support for specific projects in areas of mutual interest. Additionally, the UK government has acknowledged India’s role as a global partner and a leader in science and technology. In June 2021, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson invited India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the G7 summit in Cornwall as a guest country, demonstrating a willingness to enhance cooperation across various fields, including space exploration.
The controversial remarks made by a UK news presenter regarding Chandrayaan-3 have ignited a vigorous debate on social media about the historical and contemporary bilateral relations between India and the UK. While some perceive this incident as a reflection of lingering resentment and arrogance stemming from colonial history, others view it as an opportunity to celebrate India’s achievements and potential in space exploration and beyond.
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