NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an inspiring video call with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS), marking a landmark moment for India’s space ambitions. Shukla, part of the Axiom-4 mission, shared his breathtaking experience of seeing India from space, describing it as “grand and boundless, with no borders, like one united Earth.”

In the 18-minute interaction, Shukla, the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984, described his journey on SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which docked with the ISS after a 28-hour flight. “Seeing India from 400 km above, it feels vast and unified, like the whole Earth is our home,” he told Modi. He spoke of the challenges of microgravity, humorously noting, “I had to strap my feet down to talk to you, or I’d float away.”

Modi praised Shukla, saying, “You’re farthest from India but closest to our hearts. Your mission is an auspicious start for our space journey.” He highlighted its significance for India’s Gaganyaan mission, space station plans, and lunar ambitions, urging Shukla to document his experiences to guide future astronauts.

Shukla shared Indian sweets like gajar ka halwa and moong dal halwa with his crewmates, who include American, Polish, and Hungarian astronauts. He discussed conducting experiments on stem cell regeneration and microalgae cultivation, which could benefit healthcare and food security on Earth. He also emphasized the need for mental calm in space’s high-pressure environment.

Modi connected Shukla’s orbital path to India’s tradition of parikrama, calling it a “sacred journey around Mother Earth.” Shukla, witnessing 16 daily sunrises and sunsets, called the view “mesmerizing” and reflective of India’s rapid progress.

The conversation ended with Shukla chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” echoed by Modi, stirring national pride. Shukla dedicated his mission to India’s youth, saying, “The sky is not the limit—keep pushing forward.” The mission signals India’s growing stature in space exploration and its commitment to inspiring future generations.