PM Modi interacts with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla aboard the International Space Station

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Astronaut, who became the first Indian to go to the International Space Station, via videoconferencing saturday.

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The Prime Minister remarked that although Shubhanshu Shukla is presently the farthest from the Indian motherland, he remains closest to the hearts of all Indians. He noted that Shubhanshu’s name itself carries auspiciousness, and his journey marks the beginning of a new era. Shri Modi stated that while it was a conversation between two individuals, it embodied the emotions and enthusiasm of 140 crore Indians. He said that the voice speaking to Shubhanshu carried the collective zeal and pride of the entire nation and extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Shubhanshu for hoisting India’s flag in space. Shri Modi enquired about Shubhanshu’s well-being and whether all was fine aboard the space station.

Responding to the Prime Minister, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla thanked for best wishes on behalf of 140 crore Indians and stated that he is in good health and deeply moved by the love and blessings he has received. He described his time in orbit as a profound and novel experience, one that reflects not just his personal journey but also the direction in which India is advancing. The astronaut noted that his 400-kilometre journey from Earth to orbit is symbolic of the aspirations of countless Indians. Recalling his childhood, he shared that he never imagined becoming an astronaut, but under the Prime Minister’s leadership, today’s India enables the realisation of such dreams. Shubhanshu called it a great achievement and said he felt immense pride in representing his country in space.