In a historic interaction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during a live call. Shukla, part of India’s Gaganyaan mission training in the U.S., shared his awe, saying, “India looks bigger from space than it does on the map.” PM Modi expressed national pride, calling the conversation “unforgettable” and a proud moment for 140 crore Indians. The discussion also touched on India’s strides in space exploration and the astronaut’s ongoing NASA-led ISS expedition. PM Modi emphasized India's growing global stature and technological advancement, inspiring the nation with this milestone moment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke via video link on June 28 with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian aboard the ISS aboard the Axiom‑4 mission, marking a historic milestone. Modi expressed pride in Shukla’s leadership in space science and India’s growing role in global exploration. President Murmu, IAF officials and Science Minister Dr Jitendra Singh lauded the mission, highlighting India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” credentials and seven indigenous microgravity experiments including studies on algae, seeds, tardigrades, muscle regeneration, and human–computer interaction. Born in Lucknow, Shukla is the first Indian on the ISS in 41 years since Rakesh Sharma. The operation emphasizes India’s renewed global space ambitions under PM Modi’s leadership. (PC:X)

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla officially became astronaut No. 634 after docking the Axiom-4 crew at the ISS on June 26, 2025. He described the experience as a “wonderful ride,” though noted “my head is a little heavy” in zero gravity, yet expressed excitement for the next 14 days of scientific research aboard the station . Shukla shared heartfelt messages in English and Hindi, thanking India for its blessings and assuring that “with your love and blessings, I have safely reached the ISS,” urging national participation in his journey . His pinning marks India’s second man in space and its first ISS presence, after Rakesh Sharma.

On June 26, 2025, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon “Grace” successfully docked with the ISS, carrying four crew members—including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as mission pilot—as part of the Axiom‑4 mission . Shukla becomes the first Indian to visit the ISS and second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma, marking a historic milestone for India, Poland, and Hungary . Launching from Kennedy Space Center on June 25, the crew will spend two weeks conducting around 60 scientific experiments . The milestone underscores expanding international and private-sector roles in low Earth orbit missions.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. Shukla, mission pilot on Axiom-4 (Ax-4), launched aboard SpaceX’s Dragon from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and docked with the ISS after 28 hours. He joins astronauts from the US, Poland, and Hungary for a 14-day mission to conduct over 60 experiments. In an emotional message, Shukla said, “Namaskar from space,” expressing pride in representing India. Prime Minister Modi hailed the mission as a symbol of India's growing space prowess and international collaboration in science. 

After successfully entering the International Space Station, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shared his excitement and awe at the experience. Calling the journey aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon “a wonderful ride,” he expressed how the view of Earth from space was beyond imagination. He thanked the crew aboard the ISS for a warm and cheerful welcome, saying it immediately made him feel at home. Shukla, who was awarded ISS pin number 634, said he is looking forward to the next 14 days, calling them “amazing” and full of opportunities to learn, contribute, and inspire.

The hatch to the International Space Station (ISS) has officially opened, marking a historic moment as Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to enter the orbital lab. Following a successful docking by the SpaceX Dragon capsule under the Axiom-4 mission, the crew completed pressurization and hatch-opening procedures around 5:00 PM IST on June 26. Shukla, now aboard the ISS, is expected to speak soon in his first public interaction from space. His 14-day mission will include critical India-backed scientific experiments, strengthening India's presence in global space exploration and advancing its Gaganyaan ambitions.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is ready to step into the International Space Station (ISS) after a successful docking by the Axiom-4 mission. The SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying Shukla and three other astronauts docked with the ISS at 4:01 PM IST on June 26, following a smooth 28-hour journey from Kennedy Space Center. Shukla will soon enter the ISS to begin a 14-day stay, where he will lead seven Indian experiments focused on microgravity's impact on human health, plant biology, and algae. This marks a proud moment for India and a key step toward the Gaganyaan mission.

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made history on Thursday as the SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying the Axiom-4 crew successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) at 4:43 pm IST. This marks the first time an Indian has reached the ISS. The docking concluded a 33-hour journey from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the mission launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The historic moment took place 424 km above Earth, marking a giant leap in India’s human spaceflight ambitions. Shukla, part of a four-member team, will spend 14 days aboard the ISS conducting scientific research.

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is minutes away from making history as the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft "Grace," which he is piloting, approaches final docking with the International Space Station (ISS). After over 24 hours in orbit since its launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Dragon is now just 20 meters from the ISS, having maneuvered from beneath to above the station. Shukla, the first Indian to journey to the ISS, leads the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission’s 14-day stay in space. The docking process is being streamed live as India awaits the historic soft capture 400 km above Earth.