India, July 20 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged lawmakers to ensure a "productive" Monsoon Session of Parliament, saying meaningful debate backed by facts, and not disruption, should guide proceedings. He also lauded India's growing space sector, praising startup Skyroot Aerospace, while taking a veiled swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by referring to a "56-year-old youth".

Addressing the media ahead of the start of the Monsoon Session, Modi drew a parallel between the rainy season and Parliament's functioning.

"Be it the monsoon or the monsoon session, if both are proactive, they prove to be highly productive. And when both are productive, it leads to the welfare of the nation and the well-being of all living beings...