Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Air Force officer who recently returned to Earth after participating in NASA’s Axiom-4 mission. Shukla, who became the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space, shared his experiences and highlighted the global interest in India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

During the meeting, Shukla told PM Modi that people across the world are not only aware of India’s advancements in space but are also excited about the Gaganyaan launch. He mentioned that his international crew members were so enthusiastic, they made him sign a promise to invite them to the launch event.

PM Modi asked about the response Shukla received as India’s space ambassador abroad. “Wherever I went, people were thrilled to meet me and incredibly curious about India’s achievements. Many were especially interested in Gaganyaan and often asked, ‘When is your mission going?’” Shukla said.

The Prime Minister also inquired about Shukla’s post-mission physical recovery. Shukla explained that while adjusting to zero gravity takes a few days, returning to Earth is more challenging. “Even though I was healthy, I needed support to walk. The body takes time to readjust,” he said.

A unique part of the conversation touched on Indian food crops in space. PM Modi asked about the role of moong and methi, and Shukla explained how they are ideal for space cultivation due to their fast sprouting and minimal water needs. “In space, cargo is expensive and space is limited. These Indian staples are highly efficient and easy to grow,” he noted.

Recounting his academic journey, Shukla shared how rigorous study and engineering discipline helped him as a test pilot and astronaut. “The mission’s success is just the beginning,” he told the Prime Minister.

PM Modi stressed the need to create a large talent pool of Indian astronauts, suggesting a future cohort of 40–50 space-ready individuals. Shukla reflected on his childhood, saying the idea of becoming an astronaut once seemed out of reach. “When Rakesh Sharma went to space in 1984, we had no program to follow. But now, children ask me how they can become astronauts. This change is a huge success for India,” he said.

Shukla also praised the government’s commitment to space exploration, especially its resilience after Chandrayaan-2. “Despite failures, India pressed on. Chandrayaan-3 succeeded, and now the world recognizes our potential. We have the opportunity to lead globally in space,” he said.

PM Modi echoed this confidence, saying, “If we pursue it with self-reliance, we will achieve great things.”

Shukla returned to Earth on July 15, following the Axiom-4 mission, which launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 25. He splashed down off the California coast and arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, marking a new chapter in India’s space legacy.