PM Modi Congratulates Shubhanshu Shukla: “He Carries Hopes of 1.4 Billion Indians” on Axiom‑4 Mission

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his pride as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla lifted off to the International Space Station on the SpaceX Crew Dragon’s Axiom‑4 mission on June 25, 2025, calling the moment a “matter of national pride” and declaring that Shukla carries the hopes, dreams and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.

Prime Minister Modi also extended his best wishes to the mission’s international crew—NASA's Peggy Whitson, Poland’s Slawosz Uznański‑Wisniewski, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu.

The Axiom‑4 mission lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at 12:01 pm IST after weather and technical delays. It marks India’s re-entry into human spaceflight after 41 years. The crew is expected to dock with the ISS around 4:30 pm IST on June 26, where they will conduct approximately 60 experiments—including seven led by Indian researchers as part of the ISRO-NASA collaboration.

Historic resurgence: Marks India’s return to manned space missions since Rakesh Sharma in 1984.

Global significance: Highlights India’s rising role in international space partnerships.

Nationwide inspiration: With PM Modi emphasizing Shukhla as the embodiment of all Indians’ dreams, public support and excitement have surged.

Scientific collaboration: The mission includes joint experiments by ISRO, NASA, and ESA, reinforcing ties in space research.Shubhanshu Shukla ISS mission, Axiom‑4 mission, PM Modi Shukla space, India astronaut 2025, second Indian in space, India space comeback, Rakesh Sharma blessings, ISRO NASA collaboration