PM Modi, President Murmu Congratulate Astronaut Shukla on Historic ISS Mission

 June 25, 2025 – Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today extended his heartfelt congratulations on the successful launch of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), which is carrying a historic international crew, including India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, towards the International Space Station (ISS). The Prime Minister emphasized that Group Captain Shukla carries with him "the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians."

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with its Crew Dragon capsule, successfully lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida earlier today, at approximately 12:01 PM IST. This marks Axiom Space's fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi stated, "We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US." He further highlighted the significance of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's journey, noting that he "is on the way to become the first Indian to go to International Space Station."

For India, this mission is particularly momentous, marking the nation's return to human spaceflight after a gap of 41 years since Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's mission in 1984. Group Captain Shukla's role as the pilot on this mission, along with his participation in scientific experiments designed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), underscores India's burgeoning capabilities and ambitions in space exploration.

President Droupadi Murmu also lauded the mission, stating, "As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla creates a new milestone in space for India, the whole nation is excited and proud of an Indian's journey into the stars." She highlighted the mission as a reflection of the "enduring partnership between NASA and ISRO."

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, also passed a resolution today commending the successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission and the historic participation of an Indian astronaut. This collective commendation from the highest levels of government reflects the national pride and strategic importance placed on India's renewed presence in human spaceflight.