Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla last month scripted history as he became the first India to visit the International Space Station and the second to step into space. After conducting a range of experiments in space, Shukla and the crew returned to Earth on July 15.

As a mark of appreciation of its efforts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Monday evening (August 18) at his residence – 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. Their meeting comes a day after the astronaut returned to India after his historic visit to the International Space Station in June.

Shukla donned his ISRO astronaut jacket as he went to 7 LKM to meet the prime minister, who welcomed him with a hug. The IAF Group Captain was part of the Axiom-4 private space mission, which lifted off from Florida on June 25 and docked at the ISS on June 26. He returned to Earth on July 15.

What happened when Modi met Shukla?

A few days after being launched into space, Shukla had a video interaction with PM Modi, during which the latter had commended Shukla’s achievement as the dawn of a new era for India’s space ambitions and extended the wishes of 140 crore Indians. “Though you are farthest from the motherland, you are closest to our hearts,” said the PM.

The two have now finally met in person in a meeting which was all about warmth, appreciation and a reflection of India’s growing space ambitions. On meeting the prime minister, India’s first ISS astronaut Shukla gifted the Axiom-4 mission patch to PM Modi. He also showed him pictures of the Earth taken from the International Space Station.

“Had a great interaction with Shubhanshu Shukla. We discussed a wide range of subjects including his experiences in space, progress in science & technology as well as India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission. India is proud of his feat,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Had a great interaction with Shubhanshu Shukla. We discussed a wide range of subjects including his experiences in space, progress in science & technology as well as India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission. India is proud of his feat.@gagan_shux pic.twitter.com/RO4pZmZkNJ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 18, 2025

What did Shukla do on the Axiom-4 mission?

On the 18-day mission, Group Captain Shukla, along with astronauts Peggy Whitson (US), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), conducted more than 60 experiments and 20 outreach sessions aboard the ISS. After experiencing space and microgravity, he conducted several scientific tests.

As I sit on the plane to come back to India I have a mix of emotions running through my heart. I feel sad leaving a fantastic group of people behind who were my friends and family for the past one year during this mission. I am also excited about meeting all my friends, family… pic.twitter.com/RGQwO3UcQr

— Shubhanshu Shukla (@gagan_shux) August 16, 2025

According to ISRO, about Rs 600 crore were spent on the Axiom-4 mission, including astronauts training and related costs. Around Rs 600 crore were spent on this mission, covering training for two astronauts and other space journey preparations. The insights gained in space will help us enhance the success of the Gaganyaan mission.