PM Modi Welcomes Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla After Historic Space Mission

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended a warm welcome to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla following his successful return to Earth from a landmark mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) — making him the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS.

Congratulating the astronaut for his historic feat, the Prime Minister hailed Shukla’s mission as a defining moment in India’s space exploration journey and a major inspiration for the nation’s scientific and space ambitions.

In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi wrote:
“I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space. As India’s first astronaut to have visited the International Space Station, he has inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit. It marks another milestone towards our own Human Space Flight Mission — Gaganyaan.”

Group Captain Shukla’s mission, part of a collaborative initiative between ISRO and international space agencies, represents a significant stride ahead of India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into orbit aboard an Indian spacecraft.

The successful completion of Shukla’s ISS mission is being hailed as a moment of national pride and a testament to India’s growing presence in global space exploration efforts. The mission also paves the way for India’s increasing participation in international scientific research and human spaceflight programs.