Astronaut Shubhanshu to PM Modi: “India Looks Grand from Space, Borders Are Invisible”

New Delhi, 28th June 2025: In a historic moment for India’s space journey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a heartfelt video conversation with Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is currently stationed aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4). The video of the interaction, which lasted 18 minutes and 25 seconds, was released by the Prime Minister’s Office at 5:49 PM on Saturday.

Shubhanshu Shukla, a decorated officer of the Indian Air Force, became the first Indian to reach the ISS and the second Indian to go to space, following in the footsteps of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard a Soviet mission in 1984 — over 41 years ago.

“India Looks Grand from Space,” Says Shubhanshu
During the conversation, Shubhanshu shared his emotions and experiences in orbit with Prime Minister Modi. “India looks grand from space. From up here, borders vanish — the Earth appears as one, unified home for humanity. We see 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets every day as we orbit the Earth at 28,000 km/hour,” he said.

He described the unique perspective from the ISS, noting, “It’s only after coming here that one realizes the vastness of the universe and the unity of mankind. From space, India appears even more majestic than on any map.”

PM Modi: “Your Name is Shubh, and So is Your Journey”
The Prime Minister opened the call with warmth and national pride. “You may be far from our motherland today, but you are closest to the hearts of 140 crore Indians. Your name has ‘Shubh’ in it, and your journey marks the beginning of a new era. This is not just a personal milestone — it is a proud moment for every Indian,” he told Shubhanshu.

When the Prime Minister asked whether he had shared his Indian food with his fellow astronauts, Shubhanshu responded cheerfully: “Yes sir, I brought Gajar ka Halwa, Moong Dal Halwa, and Mango Juice. My international teammates loved the taste of Indian cuisine. We all ate together.”

Zero Gravity Challenges and Meditation in Space
Speaking about the physical challenges of space, Shubhanshu said, “In zero gravity, I have to tie my legs even while talking, or I start floating. Sleeping is also a challenge here.”

The Prime Minister inquired whether meditation and mindfulness helped in managing the pressures of space travel. Shubhanshu agreed, saying, “Yes, meditation helps immensely, especially during high-stress moments like launch. A calm mind allows better decision-making in critical situations.”

He added, “This mission is not just about one person — it’s India’s collective leap. I encourage the youth to aim high. Always remember, the sky is never the limit.”

India’s Tricolour Now Flying in Orbit
Visibly emotional, Shubhanshu shared that he had placed the Indian tricolour on the ISS just the day before. “Seeing our national flag in space brought tears to my eyes. It’s a proud moment not just for me, but for every Indian,” he said.
Scientific Research and Mission Objectives
Shubhanshu, who launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center on June 25, reached the ISS on June 26. He is assigned badge number 634 on the space station.

He will spend 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting seven experiments designed by Indian educational institutions. Most of these are focused on biological and health studies, such as the effects of microgravity on human cells and organisms.

Additionally, he will carry out five collaborative experiments with NASA, collecting crucial data for long-duration space missions. These studies will play an important role in shaping India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, the country’s first indigenous human spaceflight project, targeted for launch in 2027.

Family Watches Launch from Lucknow
Shubhanshu’s parents, Asha Shukla and Shambhu Dayal Shukla, watched their son’s historic launch live on television from their home in Lucknow. His mother, visibly emotional, expressed immense pride in her son’s achievement and thanked the nation for its support.

“It Is My Fortune to See Earth from Space”
In his initial remarks after entering the ISS, Shubhanshu had said, “It is my fortune to be one of the few who have seen Earth from the space station. While it may look easy standing here, the road to space is long and challenging. But with the love and blessings of my country, I have made it.”

India’s Giant Leap After 41 Years
Shubhanshu’s journey is the result of collaboration between NASA and ISRO, under which he was selected to join Ax-4. His mission marks a giant leap for India, not just in terms of presence in international space missions, but also in preparing for the nation’s ambitious space goals.

Looking Ahead to Gaganyaan
India’s Gaganyaan mission is expected to send Indian astronauts — called Gaganyatris — into low Earth orbit and return them safely. Shubhanshu’s real-time experience at the ISS will serve as vital groundwork for this mission.

Just as cosmonauts represent Russia and taikonauts represent China, Gaganyatris will symbolize India’s capability and aspirations in human space exploration.

This mission not only showcases India’s technological prowess but also ignites the imagination of a new generation of scientists, dreamers, and patriots. As Shubhanshu said from orbit, “The journey is mine, but the dream is India’s.”