The nation erupted in celebration as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), safely returned to Earth on July 15, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading the chorus of praise, lauded Shukla's historic space journey, recognizing its profound significance for India's burgeoning space program and its inspirational impact on the nation's youth.

Shukla's journey to the ISS was part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a collaborative effort between NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO. The mission aimed to strengthen international cooperation in spaceflight and conduct scientific experiments in microgravity. Launched on June 25, 2025, the Dragon "Grace" spacecraft, piloted by Shukla, spent approximately 18 days docked at the ISS.

Upon Shukla's return, the Prime Minister interacted with the astronaut, who was orbiting 400 kilometers above the Earth. Modi praised Shukla for his down-to-earth nature and acknowledged the historic accomplishment, stating that the hearts of 140 crore Indians beat with him. He also noted that Shukla's journey symbolizes the direction in which "New India" is heading.

During their conversation, Shukla shared his awe at seeing Earth from space, describing it as borderless and unified. He also mentioned bringing Indian sweets like gajar ka halwa and aamras to share with his fellow astronauts, showcasing India's rich culinary heritage.

In his address before the Parliament session, PM Modi highlighted the pride every Indian felt seeing the national flag hoisted at the International Space Station. He also acknowledged the wave of happiness that swept through the country upon Shukla's safe return.

ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan confirmed Shukla's excellent health and hailed the mission as highly successful. He emphasized that the mission provided valuable input for the Gaganyaan program, India's first crewed spaceflight program, which aims to send Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit.

Shukla's journey has ignited a new wave of curiosity about space among children across India. PM Modi also noted the rapid increase in space startups in the country, from fewer than 50 five years ago to over 200 today. This surge in space-related activities highlights India's growing ambition and capabilities in space exploration.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is a distinguished Indian Air Force officer and test pilot. He has over 2,000 hours of flying experience on various aircraft and underwent rigorous training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia. His historic mission to the ISS marks a significant milestone in India's space journey, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.