Shubhanshu Shukla Returns from Space: PM Modi Says ‘He Has Inspired a Billion Dreams’

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has successfully come back to Earth following an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed him warmly, saying, “As India’s first astronaut to visit the ISS, Shukla has inspired a billion dreams with his courage, hard work, and dedication.”

Prime Minister Modi shared on X, saying, "Along with the entire nation, I warmly welcome Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on his return from his remarkable space journey."

This is an important step for India’s Human Space Flight Mission—Gaganyaan.”

Shukla was part of the Axiom-4 mission, where he worked with other astronauts and did seven special science experiments for ISRO. During the mission, Shukla had a video call with PM Modi, who advised him to learn as much as possible so that his experience could help India’s Gaganyaan mission.

The idea of sending an Indian astronaut to the ISS started in 2024 when PM Modi visited the US and met President Joe Biden. India and the US then agreed to work together on the Axiom-4 mission. India also signed the Artemis Accords, a NASA programme aimed at sending humans back to the Moon.

Earlier, PM Modi had given astronaut badges to Shukla and three other Indian Air Force pilots—Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan, Group Captain Ajith Krishnan, and Group Captain Angad Pratap. These pilots will be part of the Gaganyaan project.

Once Shukla safely touched down in the Pacific Ocean aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, celebrations erupted in his hometown of Lucknow. Filled with pride, people raised slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and greeted the moment with joyful claps and cheers.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Shukla’s father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, and said, “Shukla’s safe return is a proud moment for all Indians. He hasn’t just journeyed to space; he has raised the nation’s aspirations.

Shukla’s family, including his father, mother Asha Devi, and sister Suchi Misra, were filled with emotion. His father said, “He has been to space and back. This is very important for India’s Gaganyaan mission.” His mother said, “We are very happy. We are waiting to welcome our son. We are proud that he made history.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also praised Shukla. He called Shukla’s achievement “a symbol of courage, hard work, and love for science.” He added, “Every Indian, especially the people of Uttar Pradesh, are proud today.”

With this mission, India has taken a big step forward in space exploration. Shukla’s mission inspires young Indians to believe that with determination and bravery, there are no boundaries to what they can achieve.