India, July 15 -- Indian PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla after he returned from the International Space Station after spending nearly three weeks there as part of the Axiom 4 mission.

In his first X post after Shukla's return to Earth, Modi said he inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit.

In his post, he said: "I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space."

He further said: "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...