Axiom 4 Mission / PM Modi spoke to Shubhanshu Shukla and congratulated him for flying the flag of India

Axiom 4 Mission: India has added another golden chapter in the history of space science. Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain of the Indian Air Force, has become the 634th astronaut to travel to space. What is even more important is that he is the second Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS). Prime Minister Narendra Modi also interacted with him on his historic journey and congratulated him on behalf of the countrymen.

"Auspicious beginning of a good journey"

PM Modi said during a conversation with Shubhanshu, "There is auspiciousness in your name and your journey is also an auspicious beginning of a new era." This information was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the Prime Minister's Office. Describing it as a "collective journey of India", he called Shubhanshu a "source of inspiration for the new generation".

A grand view of India from space

Shubhanshu Shukla said that he is feeling absolutely fine in the ISS and this experience is completely new. He said, "This journey is not just mine but of the entire country. We are seeing 16 sunsets and 16 sunrises every day. We are flying at a speed of 28,000 kilometres per hour. India seen from space looks much bigger and grander than the map. There are no boundaries visible from here, only one earth."

First step in India's space race

Describing Shukla as the "first Indian to go to the space station", Prime Minister Modi also said that this mission is the first step in India's space race. Shukla said, "Here you have to tie your legs to sleep, otherwise you start floating up. This experience is very unique and will be valuable for the upcoming missions."

Gaganyaan and the goal ahead

PM Modi reminded Shubhanshu of "Mission Gaganyaan" and India's resolve to build its own space station and said that Shukla's experience will be extremely useful in these missions. The Prime Minister also assigned Shukla "homework" - to record his experiences in detail so that the next generation of astronauts can benefit.

Message to youth: "Don't give up"

Giving a message to the Indian youth from space, Shubhanshu Shukla said, "The path to every dream is different, but there is a common key to success - never give up." His message inspires every youth that continuous effort despite difficulties is the path to success.

"India is preparing the platform for new flights"

The Prime Minister said, "This is not just a flight, it is a platform for India's flights. India will now not only fly itself but will also inspire the world to new flights."

First message from space: "Jai Hind, Jai Bharat"

28 hours after entering space, Shubhanshu sent his first message in Hindi: "This is a special moment for India and I am carrying the tricolor." He said, "My head is a little heavy, but this is a small thing. We will get used to it. This is just the beginning."

Next 14 days: Pursuit of science and research

Shukla said, "The way I was welcomed on the ISS was unforgettable. I am confident that the next 14 days will be important from the point of view of research and science and together we will touch new frontiers of knowledge."

PM @narendramodi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station. pic.twitter.com/Q37HqvUwCd

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 28, 2025