New Delhi, Aug 19, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a day after his return from the International Space Station (ISS) following the historic Axiom-4 mission.
Welcoming Shukla with a warm hug at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence, PM Modi praised his achievements and discussed a wide range of topics, including his experiences in space, advancements in science and technology, and the progress of India’s Gaganyaan mission.
Symbolic Gifts for the PM
During the meeting, Shukla presented the Prime Minister with the mission patch of Axiom-4 and the Indian tricolour he carried to the ISS. This was the same tricolour that fluttered in the backdrop when Shukla interacted with Modi virtually from space on June 29.
Rousing Welcome in India
Shukla returned to India on Sunday morning to a celebratory welcome at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Thousands gathered with the national flag, drumbeats, and cheers. He was received by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan. His wife Kamna and son Kiash also greeted him after his nearly year-long stay in the US for mission training.
Second Indian to Visit the ISS
Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the second Indian to travel to space, joined astronauts Peggy Whitson (US), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary) on the Axiom-4 private mission. The crew lifted off from Florida on June 25 and docked at the ISS a day later. After 18 days in orbit, they safely returned to Earth on July 15.
During the mission, Shukla took part in over 60 experiments and conducted 20 outreach sessions, highlighting India’s growing contributions to global space exploration.
National Recognition
Earlier, while addressing the 79th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, PM Modi had lauded Shukla’s achievement, saying India was now working on its own space station as part of its vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.
On Monday, the Lok Sabha also held a special discussion on “India’s First Astronaut Aboard the ISS — Critical Role of the Space Programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047,” marking Shukla’s return as a milestone moment in India’s space journey.
