PM Modi, who laid the foundation of the ISS mission during his American visit, says ‘Shukla has given one billions of dreams’

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday warmly welcomed the group captain Shubhanshu Shukla after his return to Earth after a successful 18-day stay at the International Space Station (ISS), stating that “India’s first astronaut has visited ISS, Shukla inspired one billion dreams with his dedication, courage and leading soul.”The PM posted on X, “I joined the nation in welcoming group captain Shubanshu Shukla as I returned to Earth from my historic mission.When Shukla spoke to Modi from ISS a few days ago, the PM advised him to learn as much as possible during the Axiom-4 mission, so that the experience could be used for the Gagan Mission. Shukla had operated seven ISRO-specific microgravity uses and many others with Axiom-4 mission crew members.It was Modi, who laid the foundation for the first visit of the ISS after meeting US President Joe Biden at the White House during a state visit in 2024, both countries later cooperated to send an Indian astronaut as part of the Orbo -4 mission to the orbital station. During that visit, India also signed the Artemis Accords, an initiative by NASA to return humans on the moon.Earlier, it was PM Modi who gave astronaut wings to the group’s captain Shukla and three other IAF pilots – Group captain Prashant Balakrishnan, group captain Ajit Krishnan, group captain Angad Pratap and revealed astronauts of Gaganian Mission for the world.On Shukla’s successful return, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the astronaut’s father Shambu Dayal Shukla after his successful comeback on Earth. Singh said on X on X, “The successful comeback of group captain Shubanshu Shukla from the historic Axiom-4 mission is a proud moment for every Indian. He has not just touched space, he has brought India’s aspirations to new heights.”As soon as Shukla created a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean in the dragon of the SpaceX crew, thousands of miles away, Lucknow’s home “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and applauded with applause.Shukla’s father, Shambu Dayal Shukla, mother Asha Devi and sister Suchi Mishra were accused of emotions as the dragon was published in the Pacific Ocean away from the California coast. “He has come back and we are on the whole moon because this mission has its own importance for the country’s skyrocket program,” said Shambu Dayal Shukla.Shaksa’s mother Asha Shukla said, “We are very excited … We are waiting for our son … We are proud that our son wrote his name in history … We will give him a grand welcome … ”.Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called Shukla’s achievement, which is a great symbol of “courage, dedication and commitment to science” from Lucknow. He said, “Every Indian, especially the people of Uttar Pradesh, are feeling proud today. India is waiting for your return.”