The Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who made history as the first Indian to step aboard the International Space Station (ISS), said that his arrival at the space station marks India’s first step towards its own space journey. Shukla, in his first message from the ISS, said that he is excited to take part in the science experiments planned for the next 14 days.

Shukla said that it might seem easy, but the heads feel a little heavy. However, he added that it does not matter and will get used to it in a few days. Detailing the plans for the coming days, he said that several experiments will be conducted and added that he will continue to talk to everyone. Shukla in his message said that he is excited and that he wears India’s flag on his shoulders with pride.

“A small message for my beloved fellow Indians, with your love and blessings, I have reached the International Space Station. It might seem easy, but our heads feel a little heavy, though none of that matters. We’ll get used to it in a few days. In the coming days, we will conduct many scientific experiments. I will continue to talk to you all. I am very excited, and I wear my country’s flag on my shoulders with pride. I believe all of you are equally excited about this journey. Thank you. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat,” Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla said.

🗣 Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla talks about his experience of visiting the International Space Station during the Axiom-4 welcome ceremony 👨‍🚀 pic.twitter.com/3lRdf3lDRz

— ISRO Spaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) June 26, 2025

Shukla also thanked the ISS crew for their warm welcome and said that the expectations had been surpassed.

“It has been a wonderful ride – I was looking forward to coming to space. The minute I entered the ISS and met this crew, you made me feel so welcome, as if you literally opened your house doors for us. Whatever expectations I had have been surpassed – by the view, of course, but also by you. Thank you so much,” he said.

“I’m very confident the next 14 days will be amazing as we advance science and research together,” he added.