‘Far from India, but close to our heart’: PM interacts with Shubhanshu Shukla aboard ISS

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the 39-year-old Indian Air Force pilot turned astronaut, who is aboard the Axiom-4 mission at the International Space Station (ISS). Astronaut Shukla and his team will carry out scientific tasks over the next 14 days in the ISS.

"Today, you are farthest away from your hometown, your country, but today, you are the closest in the hearts of your countrymen," the prime minister said. "Your name carries 'shubh', and your journey is the 'shubh' beginning of a new era."

"At this time, it is only us two speaking, but the thoughts of 140 crore Indians lie with me," PM Modi said during his video conversation with the historic Indian astronaut. "My voice carries the excitement of all Indians."

The Prime Minister also congratulated Shubhanshu Shukla for taking the Indian flag to the International Space Station (ISS). He inquired about the conditions aboard the station and whether everything was going smoothly on this historic mission.

In response, Shukla informed the Prime Minister that he would begin working on stem cell experiments on Saturday. “I am going to work on an experiment on stem cells today,” he said.

"I would like to thank you (PM Modi) and the 140 crore Indians for their wishes. I am extremely fine and safe here. I am extremely glad, and this is a whole new experience. My 400 km journey from the Earth to orbit is not just my journey, but of the entire country. When I was young, I never felt that I could become an astronaut. However, under your leadership, the country has the opportunity to fulfil its dreams. I am extremely glad to represent my country in here,'" Shukla said.

Earlier in the day, Shukla likened his experience in space to that of a child who isn’t "feeling well, and learning to eat and walk into the ISS. "I was not feeling well, and I was very sleepy when we were launched into the vacuum. Learning how to walk and eat in space like a child," Shukla had said.

Shukla is the pilot of the Axiom-4 mission, which launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft took about 28 hours to reach the International Space Station (ISS), successfully docking at the Harmony module.

In his welcome message, Shukla shared his thoughts about the experience, saying that while it may look easy on camera, he felt his head was a bit heavy. Shukla, who officially received a Space Station pin and became astronaut number 634, said the next two weeks would be full of excitement.
Related Stories

 "I was looking forward to this, and the crew made me feel so welcome and opened their doors for us. I feel even better and my expectations have been surpassed by the view and the current crew. The next 14 days are going to be exciting and great," he had said.

Before docking, Shukla also sent an emotional message from orbit, greeting Indians with “Namaskar from space,” and said he was proud to carry the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians on his shoulders.

The Ax-4 crew will stay on the ISS for around 14 days, working closely with the Expedition 73 crew. Together, they will conduct over 60 scientific experiments and educational activities — the most ambitious research schedule of any Axiom mission so far.

Their work will cover a range of areas, including cancer research, DNA repair and advanced manufacturing, showing how commercial and international cooperation is becoming a key part of space exploration.