India marked a historic moment in its space journey as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS).
The mission, part of Axiom Mission 4, includes astronauts from the United States, Poland, Hungary, and India, and is a milestone in the expanding collaboration between NASA and ISRO.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the successful launch in a message on social media, stating:
“We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US. The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on the way to become the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.”
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed pride in the achievement, writing:
“As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla creates a new milestone in space for India, the whole nation is excited and proud of an Indian’s journey into the stars. He and his fellow astronauts of Axiom Mission 4… prove the world is indeed one family – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”
The Indian Air Force, under which Shukla serves, described the mission as a “déjà vu moment,” drawing parallels to Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma’s iconic spaceflight in 1984, which marked India’s first venture beyond Earth’s orbit.
In its statement, the IAF said:
“From conquering the skies to touching the stars — a journey powered by the indomitable spirit of the IAF Air Warrior. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla sets forth on a landmark Space Mission, carrying the pride of the nation beyond Earth… this is more than a mission — it is a reaffirmation of India’s ever-expanding horizon.”
The astronauts aboard Axiom-4 are set to conduct a series of advanced scientific experiments, STEM outreach, and space research, symbolizing the growing role of international cooperation in space exploration. With Shukla’s historic mission, India not only reaffirms its place in global space programs but also inspires a new generation of explorers and innovators.
