Prime Minister Modi Engages with Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Outlines India’s Ambitious Space Goals

New Delhi- Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla in New Delhi to discuss his groundbreaking journey to space and its implications for India’s space program. The discussion focused on both the personal experience of traveling in space and the broader strategic vision for India’s space missions.

During the interaction, Shukla described the unique challenges of life in microgravity, including adjustments in physiology and movement. He noted that astronauts initially struggle with walking upon returning to Earth, as the brain must recalibrate to the planet’s gravity. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of mental conditioning in addition to rigorous physical preparation for space travel.

Shukla also detailed his experiments on growing crops like moong and methi in microgravity, explaining how minimal resources can yield sprouts within eight days. These experiments, he emphasized, could provide valuable insights into food security both in space and on Earth.

The discussion highlighted India’s evolving space agenda. Prime Minister Modi underlined the country’s two major upcoming missions: the development of an Indian Space Station and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. He stressed the need to cultivate a pool of 40–50 trained astronauts to sustain India’s long-term ambitions in space exploration.

Shukla reflected on the global reception of India’s space program, noting the excitement of international astronauts about India’s achievements and their interest in future missions. He attributed his success to years of extensive training, beginning with the Indian Air Force and continuing under guidance from Indian scientists, underscoring the combination of discipline, learning, and perseverance required to become a space pilot.

Prime Minister Modi and Shukla both emphasized that Shukla’s mission marks the beginning of India’s next chapter in space exploration. The Prime Minister encouraged young Indians to consider careers in space science, stating that Shukla’s journey demonstrates that spaceflight is no longer just a dream but an achievable goal.

Shukla praised the consistent support provided by the government, citing recent missions like Chandrayaan-3 as examples of India’s resilience and growing leadership in the global space arena. He highlighted that sustained investment and strategic vision can position India as a hub for international collaboration in space research and exploration.

The meeting concluded with a shared vision: to advance India’s space capabilities with self-reliance, innovation, and inspiration for future generations.