Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (August 21, 2025) met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the primary Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS), and congratulated him on his landmark achievement.
Calling it a “major milestone” in India’s human spaceflight journey, Mr. Singh lauded Group Captain Shukla’s contribution via very important scientific experiments performed in orbit, and praised his function in advancing India’s area analysis and exploration capabilities. He expressed confidence that the astronaut’s inspiring journey will motivate young Indians to pursue careers in science, know-how and area.
In a publish on social media platform X after the assembly, the Defence Minister mentioned they mentioned Group Captain Shukla’s area mission, his experiments onboard the ISS, technological advances, and the street forward with India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
Role of the IAF
Mr. Singh highlighted the Indian Air Force’s pivotal function in astronaut choice, coaching, and mission help in collaboration with the ISRO. He mentioned the professionalism and experience of IAF personnel are key enablers of India’s progress in the direction of manned area missions.
The Ministry of Defence famous that with globally recognised achievements in lunar and Mars exploration, India is now shifting in the direction of manned area missions and the eventual institution of its personal area station. Group Captain Shukla’s profitable mission aboard the ISS, it added, displays the synergy between the ISRO, the IAF, and different nationwide stakeholders in strengthening India’s standing as a spacefaring nation.
