PM Narendra Modi on Saturday interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station. Shukla of the Indian Air Force made history on Thursday by becoming the first Indian to set foot aboard the ISS.

Besides becoming the first Indian to board the ISS, Shukla is only the second Indian to venture into space; 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984. PM Modi began the conversation by thanking Shukla and said, “You may be the farthest from Indian soil, but you are the closest to the hearts of its people.”

“At this time only the two of us are talking, but the feelings of 140 crore Indians are also with me. My voice contains the enthusiasm and excitement of all Indians. I extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to you for hoisting our flag in Space,” Modi told Shukla.

During the interaction, Shukla shared his experiences from the International Space Station. He said, “I would like to thank you (PM Modi) and the 140 crore Indians for their wishes. I am extremely fine and safe here. I am extremely glad, and this is a whole new experience. My 400 km journey from the Earth to the orbit is not just my journey, but of the entire country. When I was young, I never felt that I could become an astronaut. However, under your leadership, the country has the opportunity to fulfil its dreams. I am extremely glad to represent my country in here.”

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In his first message from orbit, Shukla described the experience as a “wonderful ride” and said it was “a privilege to be among the few who get to see Earth from this vantage point.”

“My expectations were surpassed by the view and the hospitality of the crew already onboard,” he said. Shukla added, “I’m very confident the next 14 days are going to be amazing, working together to advance science and research. Thank you so much.”