Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the launch of a four-nation crewed space mission bound for the International Space Station (ISS), calling it a “moment of pride” for India as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian astronaut to embark on a mission to the orbital outpost.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister congratulated the international crew, which includes astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the United States, and said Shukla “carries with him the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.”
A Historic First for India
The mission marks a significant step for India’s space ambitions. Although Indian astronauts have flown to space before—most notably Rakesh Sharma in 1984 aboard a Soviet mission—Group Captain Shukla is poised to become the first Indian to live and work aboard the ISS, a milestone in the nation’s expanding participation in global space exploration efforts.
India’s inclusion in this multinational mission reflects increasing collaboration between space agencies, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) forging stronger ties with NASA and other international counterparts.
Global Collaboration in Orbit
The launch showcases not only technological progress but also diplomatic cooperation among nations. The crew’s composition—from four different countries—demonstrates a joint commitment to peaceful, scientific use of outer space.
“This is a shining example of how science transcends borders,” said a senior ISRO official, noting that the mission’s scientific objectives include microgravity experiments, Earth observation, and testing long-duration spaceflight protocols.
Modi’s Vision for India’s Space Future
Since taking office, Prime Minister Modi has emphasized India’s ambitions in space technology and research. Under his leadership, India has achieved landmark successes, including the Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing and the launch of the Aditya-L1 solar mission.
The government has also opened the space sector to private investment, signaling a shift from a state-dominated model to a more collaborative ecosystem that includes start-ups, academia, and global agencies.
Group Captain Shukla’s flight to the ISS is seen as a precursor to India’s own human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, expected to launch in the coming years.
Public Sentiment and National Pride
News of Shukla’s mission has captured public imagination across the country, with social media users and space enthusiasts expressing pride in India’s participation at the highest levels of space exploration.
The astronaut, a decorated Air Force pilot, was selected through a rigorous process and has trained extensively in India and abroad. His presence aboard the ISS is expected to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers in India.
As the crew embarks on their journey in low Earth orbit, they carry not only scientific instruments—but also the collective dreams of nations looking toward the stars.
