India Looks Bigger from Space Than on the Map: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Tells PM Modi

India Looks Bigger from Space Than on the Map: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla had the Skype videoconference with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and told him India appears grand and larger in space compared to map.

PM Modi met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla who made history by becoming the first Indian to visit International Space Station (ISS).

Prime Minister Modi informs Shukla that he might seem farthest to where the Indian soil is but he is the closest to the hearts of the Indian people.

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“You may be the farthest from Indian soil, but you are the closest to the hearts of its people. Even your name carries the word ‘Shubh’ (auspicious), and your journey marks a new and hopeful beginning, a Shubh Aarambh, for the youth of our nation,” PM Modi said, adding that the feelings of 140 crore Indians are connected with him.

“I stand here representing the excitement, pride, and hopes of every Indian. As you carry our national flag into outer space, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and wish you the very best for your mission,” the prime minister added.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has announced that, Group Captain Shukla together with 3 other members of his team were on board the Axiom-4 Mission which docked at the ISS on June 26.

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Speaking in response to the successful launch of Axiom 4 mission on June 25, PM Modi stated that Group Captain Shukla is taking with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.

"We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US. The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on the way to become the first Indian to go to International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and other astronauts all the success!" PM Modi said in a post on X.

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