New Delhi/Washington, June 29 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday interacted via video conference with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Air Force officer currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the historic Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. The conversation marked a proud moment for India, as Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS, symbolizing a significant milestone in the nation’s space journey.
Launched on June 25 aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Shukla is accompanied by mission commander Dr. Peggy Whitson (USA), mission specialist Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and mission specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary). The Axiom-4 spacecraft successfully docked with the orbiting space laboratory 28 hours after lift-off.
During the live interaction, Prime Minister Modi expressed heartfelt pride and admiration:
“Today, you may be far from our motherland, but you are closest to the hearts of every Indian. Aapke naam mein bhi shubh hai, aur aapki yatra naye yug ka shubharambh bhi hai” (There is good fortune in your name, and your journey marks the auspicious beginning of a new era).
In response, Group Captain Shukla said,
“Thank you, Prime Minister Modi, and thank you to 140 crore Indians. I am doing well and feeling great. This is a new experience—not just my journey, but the journey of the entire nation. Under your leadership, today’s India offers boundless opportunities to fulfill dreams.”
A Nation’s Aspirations in Orbit
Shukla’s presence aboard the ISS has captured national attention, as he becomes only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard a Soviet mission in 1984. Unlike his predecessor, Shukla is participating in a commercial spaceflight mission, part of a growing international collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, and private industry.
Prime Minister Modi, who had earlier hailed the successful launch, reiterated India’s pride:
“We celebrate the successful launch of this international mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the United States. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla carries with him the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.”
Following lift-off, Shukla’s first message from orbit reflected national pride and vision:
“This is the start of India’s human space program. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.”
Science, Collaboration, and Global Presence
The Axiom-4 mission represents a key chapter in the evolution of commercial spaceflight. Over the course of their planned 14-day stay aboard the ISS, the four-member crew will conduct more than 60 scientific experiments, including seven projects proposed by Indian scientists, highlighting India’s growing presence in global research and innovation.
In the days ahead, Group Captain Shukla is also expected to participate in a space-to-Earth outreach event, which may include another high-level interaction from orbit—symbolizing India’s emerging leadership in space diplomacy and exploration.
The mission underscores India's expanding role in international space efforts and sets the stage for future crewed missions under ISRO’s Gaganyaan programme.
As the world watches, Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey not only honors a legacy begun four decades ago—it launches a bold new era for India’s space ambitions.
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