Kashmir, August 18, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s trailblazing astronaut, at his residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg on Monday evening. The meeting focused on Shukla’s historic Axiom-4 mission, his experiences aboard the International Space Station (ISS), advancements in science and technology, and India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, set to mark the nation’s first human spaceflight in 2027.During the interaction, Shukla shared insights from his 20-day space mission, including an 18-day stay on the ISS, where he conducted over 60 scientific experiments, including studies on human health, stem cell research, and plant growth in microgravity.
These experiments, designed by ISRO and Indian researchers, are expected to provide critical data for the Gaganyaan mission. “I completed the homework given to me by the Prime Minister,” Shukla said emphasising how his documented experiences will serve as a handbook for India’s human spaceflight program.Prime Minister Modi lauded Shukla’s achievement, noting it as a “national investment” costing nearly $70 million and a pivotal moment for India’s space ambitions. Shukla, the second Indian astronaut to travel to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984, described the mission as the “beginning of India’s second orbit,” symbolising the nation’s re-entry into global space exploration as a leader.The discussion also highlighted India’s strides in science and technology, with Shukla’s mission reinforcing the country’s growing role in global space diplomacy.
The Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for 2027, aims to send Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit using an indigenous spacecraft. Shukla’s Axiom-4 experience, including his collaboration with NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space, is expected to enhance astronaut training and mission protocols. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, speaking in the Lok Sabha, emphasized that India’s space economy, currently valued at $8 billion, is projected to reach $45 billion by 2035, with plans for an Indian space station, Bharat Antariksh Station, by 2035 and a moon landing by 2040.Shukla’s return to India on August 17, 2025, was marked by a heroic welcome at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, attended by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan.
A special three-hour Lok Sabha discussion on August 18 celebrated Shukla’s feat and its significance for ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047,’ though the Opposition’s absence due to protests drew criticism.Reflecting on his space journey, Shukla shared a lighter moment, noting the challenge of readjusting to Earth’s gravity: “It took 3-4 days to get back to normal, but I’m ready for another mission.” His experiences, from conducting experiments to engaging in outreach sessions, have inspired a new generation to pursue careers in STEM and space studies, aligning with India’s long-term space vision.As India prepares for National Space Day on August 23, 2025, themed “Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities,” Shukla’s mission stands as a testament to the nation’s growing prowess in space exploration.
