During the meeting, PM Modi praised Shukla for his mission and said it inspired the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday received India's Axiom-4 Space Mission International Space Station (ISS) pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, marking his historic voyage and India's increasing achievements in space exploration.
The reception, at the Prime Minister's house in New Delhi, followed a day after Shukla's return to India after his 18-day mission on the ISS. PM Modi gave him a warm welcome hug as Shukla, sporting an ISRO astronaut jacket, presented the official Axiom-4 mission badge and pictures of Earth from space.
India is proud of his achievement," PM Modi shared on X, posting moments from their interaction.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was the first Indian to go to the International Space Station aboard the Axiom-4 private mission. The crew launched from Florida on June 25 and docked successfully at the ISS the next day. Shukla and his crew completed more than two weeks in space and returned safely to Earth on July 15.
Astronauts Peggy Whitson of the US, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary were part of the Axiom-4 mission. The trio of astronauts carried out over 60 scientific experiments and conducted 20 outreach sessions to inspire the next generation of space explorers.
In the meeting, PM Modi and Shukla talked about India's space future, including the Gaganyaan mission coming up. "Had a wonderful interaction with Shubhanshu Shukla. We exchanged views on his experiences in space, scientific & technological advancements as well as India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission," Modi posted on social media, stating that the achievement of the astronaut has brought pride to the country.
While returning to India, Shukla wrote an emotional message on Instagram, both mourning the prospect of leaving his crewmates behind and looking forward to meeting his compatriots again. "Goodbyes are difficult, but we must keep moving in life," he posted, quoting his commander Peggy Whitson: "The only constant in spaceflight is change."
Remembering his playlist prior to launch, Shukla told that the Bollywood timeless classic Swades song "Yun Hi Chala Chal" deeply touched him as he started the mission.
With Shukla's return, India not only adds a milestone to human spaceflight but also strengthens its resolve to push space exploration on the international front.
