Indian astronaut and Air Force officer Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian to board the International Space Station (ISS), is set for a special interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. The meeting, scheduled for 5 pm, will mark a proud moment for India’s space program as the country welcomes back its second astronaut to travel beyond Earth.
Shukla returned to India on Sunday after completing rigorous training in the United States and successfully serving as the pilot on the Axiom-4 mission. The mission launched on June 25 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and docked with the ISS the following day. His year-long training abroad prepared him for the high-stakes mission, where he conducted research, lived in microgravity, and represented India in a global space partnership.
The homecoming was celebrated in true patriotic spirit. At Delhi airport, Shukla was greeted by his family, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and enthusiastic supporters waving the Indian tricolor. His arrival drew widespread attention, with many hailing his achievement as a milestone for India’s expanding space ambitions.
Prime Minister Modi had earlier spoken with Shukla while he was aboard the ISS, encouraging him to document his training experiences, scientific research, and day-to-day life in orbit. Modi emphasized that Shukla’s journey would inspire and guide future Indian space explorers as the nation continues to push forward with its ambitious space goals.
Shukla’s achievements were also highlighted during the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address at the Red Fort. Modi proudly announced his return, describing it as a moment of national pride and a signal of India’s growing role in space exploration.
On August 23, Shukla will join National Space Day celebrations, furthering India’s mission to build awareness and inspire the next generation of scientists and astronauts. His participation in the event is expected to ignite renewed enthusiasm for India’s space program, particularly as the country eyes more ambitious missions in the near future.
In a heartfelt Instagram post during his return journey, Shukla shared a smiling photograph from his flight. He admitted it was emotional to bid farewell to his crewmates from the Axiom-4 mission but expressed equal excitement at reuniting with his family, friends, and fellow Indians.
For India, Shukla’s return is not just a celebration of one man’s achievement but a reminder of the nation’s growing stature in global space exploration.
