PM Modi Meets Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Discusses Upcoming Gaganyaan Mission

PM Narendra Modi had a recent meeting with the Indian Air Force test pilot and astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who came into news by returning from the Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla gave the Prime Minister the Indian tricolor he had taken all the way to space—a great symbol of India’s increasing prominence in the international space age of human exploration.

The Tricolour he took to space:

Shukla described his special and challenging experiences on board the ISS, where he was engaged in long-duration space flights. He explained the thrill and the exigency of living and working in microgravity for a sustained time, highlighting the significance of the scientific experiments in which he took part. These experiments involved studying how human physiology responds to space conditions and how new means of growing food in space can be developed—knowledge that will be crucial for India’s future human space flights.

The Prime Minister appreciated Shukla warmly for his exceptional success and the motivation he has created among millions of Indians to have big dreams. In a tweet after their interaction, PM Modi tweeted, “Had a great interaction with Shubhanshu Shukla. We talked about a variety of topics including what he did in space, the advancements in science & technology as well as India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission. India is proud of his achievement.”

Check out the X’s post as shared by PM Narendra Modi:

Had a great interaction with Shubhanshu Shukla. We discussed a wide range of subjects including his experiences in space, progress in science & technology as well as India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission. India is proud of his feat.@gagan_shux pic.twitter.com/RO4pZmZkNJ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 18, 2025

Shubhanshu Shukla: India’s New Space Hero

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became history’s first Indian astronaut to live and work on the ISS by flying on the Ax-4 mission to the ISS, the first time in more than forty years that an Indian astronaut has done so. As a very skilled Indian Air Force pilot and mission expert, Shukla conducted crucial scientific studies, such as human health in space and innovations in space agriculture. These tests are already assisting India with its own manned missions and contributing to international research on life outside Earth.

Shukla’s life started from modest beginnings and a passion for flying and technology. Climbing the ranks in the Indian Air Force, he accumulated thousands of flying hours on operational aircraft and went through intensive astronaut training in Russia. His passion and technical expertise have made him a source of inspiration for aspiring astronauts, particularly those selected for India’s Gaganyaan mission.

Gaganyaan Mission: Why The Nation Is Excited

Gaganyaan is India’s homegrown human spaceflight program, with the goal of launching Indian astronauts into space on an Indian spacecraft. This is not just a mission about technology—it is a mission about self-sufficiency, scientific advancement, and inspiring the next generation. Success would see India join the world’s top countries in space, with new frontiers for research, development, and discovery opening up.

Shukla’s Impact and India’s Space Future

Shubhanshu Shukla’s success rings out all over India. His recent return home, topped off with emotional interactions with the Prime Minister, illustrates how one person’s determination can place a whole nation on the world map. Indian youth, scientists, and dreamers all over the globe are celebrating not merely Shukla, but what can be achieved. India’s space aspirations—from Gaganyaan to future endeavors—have fresh fuel, fueled by inspiration, innovation, and solidarity.

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