Shubhanshu Shukla Return LIVE: Axiom-4 Makes Splashdown In California; PM Modi, President Murmu Congratulate

Shubhanshu Shukla made history as the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station. He returned to Earth at 3:01 p.m. along with the rest of his crew in a Crew Dragon capsule named 'Grace' as a part of Axiom Mission 4.

He was publicly congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and many other national leaders upon his arrival.

President Droupadi Murumu congratulated Shukla and the rest of the Axiom-4 crew on successful completion of the Axiom Mission- 4, through a post on 'X'.

"His role in piloting of Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station has created a new milestone for India’s space exploration as well as for international collaboration in science and technology," she said in her post.

Union Minister of Health Jagat Prakash Nadda congratulated pilot Shubhanshu Shukla the rest of the crew of Axiom-4, via a post on 'X'. He singled ISRO's Shukla out for praise saying that his achievement is not just a personal milestone but a proud moment for the entire nation.

"This feat is a big step toward India’s own human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan," Nadda said.

Shubhanshu Shukla waves to the camera as he leaves the Dragon space shuttle. Shukla and the Axiom-4 crew splashed down at 3:00 pm.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space.

"I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space. As India’s first astronaut to have visited International Space Station, he has inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit. It marks another milestone towards our own Human Space Flight Mission - Gaganyaan," he wrote on his X profile.