India, June 28 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Saturday, who is aboard the International Space Station. Mr Modi said, you are farthest from India but closest to Indians' heart and your journey marks the auspicious beginning of a new era. He said, Parikrama has been a centuries-old tradition in India, and you have been blessed with the rare opportunity to perform the parikrama of Mother Earth. Mr Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations and wished Captain Shukla for his mission.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla said that he is feeling proud to represent India. Sharing his experiences, with Prime Minister Modi, Captain Shukla said, when he was a child, he never imagined that he could bec...