In a landmark moment for India’s space journey, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday passed a resolution celebrating the historic return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the International Space Station (ISS), calling it “a moment of pride, glory, and joy for the entire nation.”
Shukla, who was part of the Axiom-4 private space mission, safely returned to Earth on Tuesday aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule after spending 18 days conducting scientific research in microgravity. With this, he etched his name in history as the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, and only the second Indian to travel to space—following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard a Soviet mission in 1984.
“This successful mission significantly elevates India’s global standing in space exploration,” the Cabinet said in its resolution, praising Shukla’s feat as a milestone that propels India closer to its human spaceflight goals, including the ambitious Gaganyaan mission and the development of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the Cabinet meeting, was lauded for his “visionary and decisive leadership” in advancing India’s space ambitions. The resolution described the mission as a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward becoming a major player in human spaceflight.
During his time aboard the ISS, Shukla conducted a range of scientific experiments aimed at deepening humanity’s understanding of life in space. These included studies on muscle regeneration, microbial and algal growth, crop viability, cognitive function, and the behavior of cyanobacteria in a microgravity environment. The Cabinet noted that the results from these experiments will not only inform India’s future missions but also contribute significantly to the international body of knowledge on space science.
The resolution also pointed to India’s rapidly expanding space economy, highlighting that recent structural reforms have led to the rise of around 300 space-tech start-ups. This, it said, has created large-scale employment and fostered an ecosystem rich in innovation and entrepreneurship
Describing Shukla’s spaceflight as more than a personal accomplishment, the Cabinet called it a “beacon of inspiration” for India’s youth, one that will “ignite scientific temper, fuel curiosity, and inspire countless young Indians to pursue careers in science and embrace innovation.”
