Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), docked with the ISS on June 26 aboard the Dragon spacecraft “Grace”, becoming the second Indian to travel to space and the first to enter the ISS.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed the interaction, stating:
“PM Narendra Modi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station.”
Earlier, following the successful launch, PM Modi hailed the moment:
“Group Captain Shukla carries the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.”
Shukla is serving as Mission Pilot on the international crew that includes former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson (Commander), ESA astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary).
Describing the launch experience, Shukla said:
“You’re pushed back into the seat—and then suddenly, there’s silence. You’re just floating in the vacuum, and it’s magical.”
Upon receiving his official astronaut pin, he remarked:
“I am No. 634. That’s a privilege.”
The Ax-4 crew was welcomed aboard the ISS by the Expedition 73 team. Shukla thanked the crew, saying:
“You guys literally opened up your doors like your house doors for us. I was looking forward to this moment, but my expectations were surpassed.”
He further added in his message to India:
“It is because of your love and blessings that I have safely reached the International Space Station. This is a milestone for India… The Tricolour I bear on my shoulder makes me feel as though the entire country is with me.”
The Ax-4 astronauts will spend two weeks on the ISS conducting scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities. Shukla will lead several India-specific experiments, marking a new chapter in India’s human spaceflight ambitions.
Shukla’s achievement comes just ahead of India’s own Gaganyaan mission, adding momentum to ISRO’s growing capabilities in space exploration.