Kind of disappointing considering India's general rhetoric of "peaceful space exploration". Regardless of what they say, it's basically impossible to use an ASAT weapon for anything peaceful :/
I wonder if developing a "defence capability" constitutes a violation of peaceful purpose. India lives in a bad neighborhood with unstable actors. Also, expecting it not to develop this capability when some others have, is not very realistic - more so when those others are unreliable at best and belligerent at worst.
"Rogue/terrorist satellite goes out of control, threatens territorial sovereignty of India (or its friendly neighbours). It'll do some harm if it comes down over India, so: swish-BOOM! Industrial catastrophe averted, problem solved. Thanks, well-maintained military!"
I mean, its not basically impossible. Unlikely, thankfully!