Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to board the International Space Station (ISS), described Earth as “borderless” and India as “much larger than shown on maps” during a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This historic moment not only marks India’s expanding space presence but also builds momentum toward the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission, set to send Indian astronauts into space by 2027.
Astronaut’s View: Earth Without Borders
Speaking from the ISS with the Indian flag in the backdrop, Shukla expressed awe at the view of Earth, emphasizing a profound realization of global unity.
“India looks beautiful and much larger than how it appears on maps. From here, there are no countries, only humanity. The Earth is our shared home,” he told PM Modi in the live-streamed interaction.
Prime Minister Modi lauded the sentiment, saying Shukla’s journey from India to space represents a new era of scientific and national achievement.
Mission Gaganyaan: India’s Next Leap
Calling Shukla’s space journey “the first step” toward India’s human spaceflight project, Modi affirmed the government’s dedication to building an Indian space station and eventually landing an Indian astronaut on the Moon.
“Your experience will be vital for our future missions. Mission Gaganyaan will take strength from your observations,” the PM stated.
The Gaganyaan mission, currently planned for 2027, aims to send Indian astronauts into low-Earth orbit aboard an indigenous spacecraft developed by ISRO.
A Glimpse of Life in Space
During their candid exchange, Shukla shared details of daily life aboard the ISS, including challenges of weightlessness, floating in microgravity, and the joy of sharing Indian food like gajar ka halwa and aam ras with international crew members.
“Despite all the preparation, adjusting to weightlessness still takes effort. I’ve had to tie my feet down just to speak to you,” Shukla quipped, prompting a chuckle from Modi.
The astronaut will spend 14 days in space conducting observational studies relevant to India’s future crewed missions.
India’s ₹548 Crore Investment in Space Diplomacy
Shukla’s journey is part of the Axiom-4 commercial space mission, which includes three first-time astronauts. India invested ₹548 crore in the mission, aimed not only at technology acquisition but also at strengthening India’s role in global space exploration.
“This journey is not just to space; it’s a leap toward Viksit Bharat,” said PM Modi, referencing India’s 2047 vision for development.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to the ISS is more than a personal achievement—it is a symbol of India’s growing ambitions in space. His insights and experiences will directly inform the Gaganyaan mission and future Indian ventures in orbit and beyond. As Modi stated, India’s eyes are now set on building its own space station and stepping on the Moon.
