India Makes Giant Leap in Space as PM Modi Interacts with Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Aboard ISS

In a moment that marked a new chapter in India’s space journey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a historic video interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the 39-year-old Indian Air Force pilot turned astronaut, who is currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission.

This mission not only showcases India’s growing presence in the global space arena but also symbolizes the country’s ambitious strides into the future of human spaceflight and scientific innovation.

During the heartfelt exchange, PM Modi congratulated Astronaut Shukla for carrying the Indian Tricolour into Earth’s orbit and hailed the mission as a moment of immense pride for 140 crore Indians.

“Today, even though you are physically the farthest from your country, you remain closest to the hearts of every Indian,” the Prime Minister said, adding, “Your name carries ‘shubh’ (auspiciousness), and this mission is truly a ‘shubh’ beginning of a new era for India’s space ambitions.”

The Prime Minister emphasized that though only the two of them were speaking, his words carried the hopes and excitement of every Indian. He asked about Shukla’s well-being and the conditions aboard the ISS, and received an enthusiastic response.

In his reply, Shukla expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support and shared how the journey from Earth to space wasn’t just his achievement but a symbolic leap for the entire nation.

“I am fine and extremely glad to be here. My 400-km journey into orbit reflects the aspirations of millions of Indians. As a child, I never imagined I could become an astronaut. But under your leadership and the nation’s growing space ecosystem, such dreams are now achievable,” Shukla said.

He informed the Prime Minister that he would soon begin scientific experiments on stem cells, contributing to vital medical research in microgravity.

The astronaut also described the surreal feeling of adjusting to life in orbit, from feeling disoriented and sleepy during launch, to learning how to walk and eat in space, much like a child learning new skills.

Earlier, Shukla had sent an emotional message from orbit, greeting the nation with a heartfelt “Namaskar from space,” and proudly declaring that he carries with him the hopes and dreams of 1.4 billion Indians.

As the pilot of the Ax-4 mission, which launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Shukla reached the ISS aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft after a successful 28-hour journey, docking at the Harmony module.

Shukla, who has now officially earned his astronaut badge as the 634th person in history to reach space, shared that the reality of being in space has exceeded his expectations.

“The crew here has been extremely welcoming, and the view from the station is beyond imagination. The next 14 days promise to be thrilling,” he said.

Over the next two weeks, the Ax-4 crew, in collaboration with the Expedition 73 team, will conduct more than 60 scientific experiments and educational outreach activities, making it the most research-intensive mission undertaken by Axiom Space so far.

Their investigations span a wide range of fields, including stem cell science, cancer research, DNA repair, and advanced manufacturing, demonstrating how space is becoming a global laboratory for innovation.

This mission marks a significant milestone for India, which is increasingly being recognized as a rising space power. From successful Mars and Moon missions to the development of indigenous launch vehicles and now human participation in commercial spaceflight, India is actively contributing to and shaping the future of global space exploration.

As India sets its sights on its Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, Shukla’s role in Axiom-4 not only elevates the country’s international standing but also inspires a new generation of scientists, engineers, and dreamers back home.

With missions like Ax-4 and growing collaboration with global space agencies and private players, India is not just reaching for the stars — it is becoming a guiding force among them.