Shubhanshu Shukla and Narendra Modi / X (Narendra Modi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 28 spoke with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to be aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Addressing Shukla as "Shubh" (which translates to auspicious in Hindi), the Prime Minister referred to his historic journey as the "Shubh Aarambh" (auspicious beginning) of a new era for India's space ambitions.

Also Read: Spaceship piloted by India's Shubhanshu Shukla docks with ISS

“Today, you are the furthest from the motherland, India. But you are the closest to the hearts of Indians,” Modi said during the live interaction. He congratulated Shukla, describing his feat as a collective national achievement and extended greetings on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians.

“This 400-kilometre journey from Earth to orbit is not just mine. I believe it is the journey of our country as well,” Shukla responded.

I had a wonderful conversation with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he shared his experiences from the International Space Station. Watch the special interaction! https://t.co/MoMR5ozRRA

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2025

No borders, one family

Describing the view from space, Shukla said, “India really looks very big, much bigger than what we see on the map. And the feeling of oneness, the feeling of earth's oneness, which is also our motto, that there is oneness in diversity, it is understood from the outside that it seems that no borders exist, no states exist, no countries exist..”

He noted that the ISS orbits the Earth 16 times a day. “We see 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets. While we don’t feel the speed from inside, we are travelling at 28,000 km/h.”

India’s flavours and philosophy

In a lighter moment, the Prime Minister asked if Shukla had shared Indian food with his colleagues. “Yes, Prime Minister,” he replied. “I brought carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, and mango juice. We all tasted it together and everyone loved it.”

Modi also referenced India’s spiritual ethos, asking whether mindfulness was helping in the space environment. Shukla affirmed, saying, “Mindfulness plays a critical role, especially in stressful moments like launch. If you stay calm, you can make better decisions.”

Experiments for Earth

Shukla informed the Prime Minister that he is conducting seven Indian-designed experiments on board the ISS. “The first one, scheduled today, is on stem cells. We’re studying whether a supplement can slow down muscle loss in microgravity,” he said, highlighting its potential relevance to elderly care on Earth.

Another experiment focuses on the growth of microalgae. “These are highly nutritious. If we can grow them in large numbers, they could help with food security,” he said, adding, “The biggest advantage of space is that processes are faster—we don’t have to wait for months or years.”

Inspiring youth

When asked about a message for India’s youth, Shukla said, “There is no single path to success. But one common thing is: never stop trying. If you keep that in mind, success may come today or tomorrow—but it will come.”

Modi reminded him that India is preparing to advance its Gaganyaan mission, build its own space station, and send astronauts to the Moon. “Your experience will be invaluable,” he said.

Shukla confirmed that he is documenting his experiences in detail. “I am absorbing everything like a sponge. These lessons will be very important for future missions,” he said.

India’s arrival

In an emotional conclusion to the exchange, Shukla said, “This is not just a personal milestone, but a collective national achievement. That flag you see behind me wasn’t here when I arrived—we put it up yesterday. India has reached the ISS today.”

He added, “I want every child watching this to know—if you work to make your future better, you will make India’s future better too. The sky is never the limit—not for you, not for me, not for India.”

Modi concluded by calling Shukla’s journey the “first chapter in the success of India’s Gaganyaan mission.” He added, “India will not only fly, but will prepare the stage for new flights of the future.”

Shukla launched aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft on June 25 as part of the Axiom-4 mission. The 14-day stay aboard the ISS marks India’s return to human spaceflight and serves as a key milestone toward ISRO’s Gaganyaan-4 mission, scheduled for 2027.