Historic Space Moment, India is on the brink of a historic space milestone. On June 10, 2025, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will embark on a journey to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) Mission. This momentous event marks the first time an Indian astronaut will visit the ISS and only the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s iconic mission in 1984.
As excitement builds across the nation, one burning question captures the imagination of millions:
Will Shubhanshu Shukla speak to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from space?
Let’s dive into what this potential call could mean, its historical relevance, and how it reflects India’s growing prowess in space exploration.
India’s Giant Leap in Space
Historic Space Moment, Shubhanshu Shukla is not just an astronaut. He’s a symbol of India’s bold return to human spaceflight after more than four decades. A decorated Indian Air Force officer, Group Captain Shukla has undergone rigorous training, including sessions in NASA and European facilities, to prepare for this prestigious mission.
He will join the Axiom-4 Mission, launched by Axiom Space in collaboration with international partners. Axiom missions are known for taking both professional astronauts and private passengers to the ISS—paving the way for commercial space travel.
Will He Call PM Modi from Space?
In a recent interview with India Today, Historic Space Moment Shubhanshu Shukla was asked if he would speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the mission. His response was intriguing:
There is an interaction scheduled with a VIP and with students, educators and academia,” he confirmed, but stopped short of naming the VIP.
This subtle hint has triggered speculation that a conversation with PM Modi could be in the works. While there is no official confirmation from the Prime Minister’s Office, the possibility remains wide open and incredibly symbolic.
When Rakesh Sharma Spoke to Indira Gandhi from Space
Historic Space Moment, To understand the significance of such a potential call, we need to rewind to April 1984 when Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 spacecraft.
During his mission, he had a now-historic exchange with then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. When she asked him, How does India look from space? he famously responded with:
Saare Jahan Se Achha.
These four words became etched into the heart of Indian space history. Historic Space Moment The conversation wasn’t just patriotic; it was poetic. It captured a nation’s pride and aspirations at a time when India was still carving out its place in global space exploration.
Sharma later revealed in interviews that the radio format made it easier, joking that not seeing Indira Gandhi’s face helped calm his nerves!
Historic Space Calls Around the World
India is not alone in having leaders speak with astronauts during missions. Historic Space Moment Globally, some of the most emotional and powerful exchanges have happened between Earth and space.
One such unforgettable moment took place on July 20, 1969, when US President Richard Nixon spoke to Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin as they stood on the surface of the Moon.
Broadcast to millions, Nixon’s words were simple yet profound:
This certainly has to be the most historic telephone call ever made from the White House.
This moment highlighted the unifying power of space exploration during a tense Cold War period. It wasn’t just a conversation it was a statement to the world about what humanity could achieve when united by science.
Shubhanshu’s Mission
Historic Space Moment, If a call between Shubhanshu Shukla and PM Modi does happen, it will be more than just a symbolic gesture. It would send a powerful message to 1.4 billion Indians and the global community: India is ready to lead in the new era of space exploration.
Such a moment could:
- Inspire young minds to pursue STEM careers
- Reignite interest in India’s space ambitions
- Strengthen the nation’s international presence in space diplomacy
This mission also bridges the gap between generations from Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 journey to the ISS mission of 2025. It represents a new chapter in Indian space history.
PM Modi and His Support for Indian Astronauts
PM Narendra Modi has long championed India’s space ambitions. During earlier missions, including Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3, Modi’s encouraging words stirred national pride.
He also wrote a heartfelt letter to astronaut Sunita Williams, who spent an extended eight-month mission aboard the ISS, saying:
Even though you are thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts.
If a call to Shubhanshu Shukla takes place during Ax-4, it would reflect similar sentiments and possibly spark another unforgettable quote that generations of Indians will remember.
Students and Academia to Be Involved
Historic Space Moment, In addition to the possible VIP interaction, Shubhanshu confirmed that he will be speaking to students, educators, and academic institutions during the mission.
This educational outreach is crucial. It aligns perfectly with India’s goals to promote space education and scientific curiosity in classrooms across the country.
Just imagine thousands of students watching a live link as an Indian astronaut floats in zero gravity, sharing his experience in real time what a moment of inspiration!
A Conversation That Could Echo Through Time
Historic Space Moment, While we await official confirmation, the possibility of a historic space-to-Earth call between Shubhanshu Shukla and PM Narendra Modi has already ignited excitement and patriotic fervor.
Whether or not the call happens, one thing is clear: India has entered a new era of space exploration, with Shubhanshu Shukla carrying the dreams and pride of a billion hearts into orbit.
Historic Space Moment, As he prepares for liftoff, all eyes are on the sky and on that one possible moment that could once again define Indian space history for generations to come.
For the full scoop and in-depth analysis, read the complete report on www.hindustantimes.com
