Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s safe return to Earth, calling it a proud and inspirational moment for the nation. Shukla, who became the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), returned aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon “Grace” after completing the Axiom-4 mission. In a heartfelt message posted on X, PM Modi said, “I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla… he has inspired a billion dreams.”
Modi described the mission as a milestone toward India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, praising Shukla’s courage and dedication. The successful splashdown near San Diego, USA, was hailed as a symbol of India’s rising stature in global space collaboration.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed the sentiment, saying Shukla had “lifted India’s aspirations to new heights.” The Indian Air Force welcomed its officer back with honor, describing the mission as an “odyssey of courage, strength, and inspiration.”
Shukla’s journey marks a historic achievement, making him only the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. His experience is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s upcoming crewed space missions, including Gaganyaan and beyond.
