PM Modi connected on a quick call with Shubhanshu Shukla on Saturday, who is currently at the International Space Station (ISS) for the Axiom-4 mission along with three other astronauts. Both of them discussed the astronaut’s experiences and the challenges he might be facing on this journey.
PM Modi Connects With Shubhanshu Shukla For A Quick Call
I had a wonderful conversation with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he shared his experiences from the International Space Station. Watch the special interaction! https://t.co/MoMR5ozRRA
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2025
The video of the quick call was uploaded on the official Twitter account of PM Modi on Saturday. The call began with the Prime Minister telling Shubhanshu that even though he might be far from the country in space, he is, ironically, the one closest to the hearts of the people back home.
For the uninitiated, let us tell you that Shubhanshu Shukla is currently in space for the Axiom-4 mission with three other astronauts. They lifted off to the ISS (International Space Station) on board SpaceX’s Dragon capsule from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre on 25 June, as per The Indian Express. PM Modi told him that not only does his name have ‘shubh’, but his journey is also equally ‘shubh’ (lucky).
Shubhanshu Shukla also said that all the love and support from people helped him reach space. The astronaut shared that he is experiencing many new things and that his journey is not his own, but that of all Indians. Shubhanshu mentioned that he took gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa and aamras to space to share with his fellow astronauts and let them experience the rich culinary flavours of India. And yes, they loved it all.
Also Read: Gajar Ka Halwa And Aamras To Join Shubhanshu Shukla In Space On Axiom 4 Mission
16 Sunrises And Sunsets Every Day
During the call, Shubhanshu told PM Modi a very interesting fact. He said that being in space allows them to witness 16 sunrises and sunsets every day! They travel at a speed of 28,000 km per hour, which sounds unbelievable, but they don’t feel the speed at all.
He shared that the first view from space was of the Earth, and they could not see any borders between countries. He added that while India might seem smaller than other nations on maps, it looks much larger from space. Moreover, Shubhanshu Shukla also added that the world appears like one, just one home without any borders in between.
He told PM Modi that even after training, adapting to microgravity in space is tough. During the call, he said he had tied his feet, or else he would start floating. He added that even sleeping is a challenge, as the body is constantly floating. Astronauts can sleep on the floor and even on the walls!
A Proud Moment For India
PM Modi also told him that the power of ‘Shubh Bharat’ lies in both science and spirituality. They discussed their interests and even talked about mindfulness and managing stress while in space. Shubhanshu also shared a message for the youth of India. He said the country has many big dreams, and there is not just one path to success. Shubhanshu Shukla also added that what matters is to keep going through the challenges and never give up.
PM Modi also gave him some homework, emphasising that Shubhanshu’s experience can help make India’s Gaganyaan mission succeed. He also spoke of the dream of landing an Indian astronaut on the Moon.
Also Read: “Namaskar From Space”: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Shares First Message From Axiom Mission 4
It should also be noted that Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station, and the second Indian to travel to orbit after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Let’s hope all these missions see success in the near future.
Cover Image Courtesy: narendramodi/ X
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