New Delhi, June 28 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for hoisting the Tricolour in space and said, "while you are away from our motherland, you are the closest to the hearts of Indians".

The Prime Minister interacted with Group Captain Shukla, who has created history by becoming the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), and asked about his well-being.

"Today, you are away from our motherland, but you are the closest to the hearts of Indians...Aapke naam mein bhi shubh hai aur aapki yatra naye yug ka shubharambh bhi hai," PM Modi said.

"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 e...