Historic Space Talk: Modi chats with Indian Astronaut on ISS

The interaction between PM Narendra Modi and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla marks a historic moment, being the first time an Indian PM has spoken to an astronaut aboard the ISS, echoing the 1984 conversation between Indira Gandhi and Rakesh Sharma, though facilitated by modern video technology rather than analog links.

Shukla’s mission, part of the Axiom-4 collaboration with NASA and SpaceX, cost India $59 million and involved a rigorous training regimen, with studies showing astronauts undergo 6-12 months of preparation to adapt to microgravity, enhancing the significance of his role as India’s second spacefarer.