New Delhi: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla revealed that during his student days, he planned to study minimally to become an astronaut, but ended up studying extensively due to the demands of the journey. He shared these memories during a meaningful meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter’s official residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi.
Shukla, a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force and the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, met PM Modi to discuss his experiences. Modi warmly welcomed Shukla with an embrace. Shukla presented Modi with the tricolor flag he carried to space, along with the Axiom-4 mission patch and photographs of Earth captured from the ISS.
During their engaging conversation, Shukla spoke about his space experiences, India’s advancements in science and technology, and the ambitious goals of the Gaganyaan mission. Modi praised Shukla’s achievements, noting that they inspire the younger generation toward space exploration. Shukla shared that during his 18-day stay at the ISS, he conducted over 60 scientific experiments, including seven specific to India, the results of which are being analyzed by Indian scientists. This visit is considered a significant milestone for India’s space program and is expected to guide the Gaganyaan mission planned for 2027.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic Meeting with PM Modi Marks a New Chapter in India’s Space Journey..!
Video Conference Details (June 28, 2025):
While at the ISS, Shukla interacted with PM Modi via an 18-minute video conference. He described the challenges of a zero-gravity environment, such as needing to secure his legs while speaking. Shukla also shared that he took Indian foods like carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, and mango juice to the ISS, which were enjoyed by other astronauts. He highlighted how meditation helped him cope with the challenges of space. Shukla also conducted experiments on bone erosion and described Earth from space as a borderless, unified world, emphasizing human unity.
Modi lauded Shukla’s achievements on behalf of 140 crore Indians, calling his journey a matter of national pride. Shukla expressed gratitude, noting that his mission represented the aspirations of the entire nation.Upon returning to Delhi on August 17, 2025, Shukla was warmly welcomed at Indira Gandhi International Airport by Union Minister Jitendra Singh and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The Axiom-4 mission launched from Florida on June 25, 2025, reached the ISS on June 26, and concluded with a splashdown off the San Diego coast on July 15, 2025.
After the meeting, Shukla visited his hometown, Lucknow, and is set to return to Delhi for the National Space Day celebrations on August 22-23, 2025. His contributions were honored in Parliament, recognizing their significance to the Gaganyaan mission.