India’s recent efforts in space exploration closely mirror the country’s diplomatic push as an ambitious power on the rise. That assertiveness on the world stage is a central campaign message for Mr. Modi, who is up for re-election for a third term early next year. “Thanks to our scientists, India has a very rich history in the space sector,” Mr. Modi said after Chandrayaan-3’s launch to the moon last month. Russia’s failed moon landing just days before India’s successful attempt was the latest indication of Moscow’s struggles as a space power. On the day India is attempting its moon landing, Mr. Modi is in South Africa for a meeting of the group of nations known as BRICS.

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Persons: Narendra Modi’s, Modi, Mr, China —, Russia’s, India’s, Xi Jinping, Modi’s, Bharat Karnad, Karnad, “, ” Organizations: China, Mr, Artemis Accords, Center for Policy Research Locations: New Delhi, India, United States, Soviet Union, Washington, Moscow, China, Beijing, South Africa, Russia, U.S