https://www.cnet.com/news/nasa-chief-labels-indian-anti-satellite-missile-test-a-terrible-terrible-thing/

In the official press release, India's Ministry of External Affairs stated the test was carried out in the "lower atmosphere" to ensure there were no space debris and even if there were debris generated, it would fall back to Earth within weeks -- but the debris field may still be dangerous.

"Claims that destructive events like this are fine because the fragments will soon be incinerated are deliberately misleading, in my opinion," says Alice Gorman, an Australian space archaeologist and debris expert. "Any fragmentation event, whether intended or accidental, increases the risks of collision with functioning satellites."