Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla met the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shukla has become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). His meeting with PM Modi took place at the Prime Minister’s Lok Kalyan Marg residence, where he welcomed the astronaut.
Shukla flew as a part of the Axiom-4 mission to ISS from June 25 to July 15. He shared his experience of life in space with the Prime Minister while wearing his ISRO jacket.
Life in Zero Gravity
Shukla recollected his initial days in space and said, “Your body undergoes a lot of changes as soon as you enter space.” He explained that the body and brain need time to adjust. “I couldn’t walk straight at first, but then my colleagues supported me.”
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Shukla described that the biggest challenge aboard the ISS was ‘food’. He explained, “Food is a big challenge on the International Space Station. But, you do not need many resources to grow sprouts… they can be grown in a dish filled with water within eight days.”
Training, ‘Homework’, and Gaganyaan
Upon asking about his training experience, Shukla stated that he had to study a lot rather than travelling, which he had expected before. he added that it becomes an engineering discipline for test pilots.
Shukla also discussed the ‘homework’ that PM Modi had given him. He documented every detail of his mission for India’s upcoming ‘Gaganyaan Programme’. “There has been great progress,” he said. “My colleagues used to tease me, saying, ‘Your Prime Minister has given you homework.’”
ALSO READ: Shubhanshu Shukla Shares Galaxy Glimpse from Bengaluru: ‘Progress Is Guaranteed’
Inspiring Young Indians
Shukla talks about his interaction with children in space, where the kids told Shukla that they believe their dream of becoming an astronaut can actually come true. PM Modi hailed Shukla, saying that his journey will inspire young Indians. He added that India should aim to build a pool of 50 astronauts.
Watch full interaction here:
A wonderful conversation with Shubhanshu Shukla. Do watch! @gagan_shux https://t.co/C3l2TNnMpo
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 19, 2025
Shukla presented PM Modi with the Axiom-4 mission patch and Indian tricolour that he carried on the ISS, which was displayed during his live interactions with the prime minister on June 29.
