Shubhanshu Shukla honoured for becoming first Indian on ISS and showing fearless resolve during Axiom-4
New Delhi: On the occasion of Republic Day 2026, President Droupadi Murmu conferred India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra, on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force.
The honour recognised Shukla’s exceptional courage and fearless resolve during the Axiom-4 space mission and his historic achievement of becoming the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS).
President Murmu personally presented the Ashoka Chakra to Shukla during the Republic Day ceremony in the presence of senior leaders, defence officials, scientists and invited guests.
Official X Post
In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), President Droupadi Murmu highlighted both the historic and courageous nature of Shukla’s achievement.
She said that on the occasion of Republic Day 2026, she was conferring India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra, upon Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. He made history as the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station.
The President further stated that Group Captain Shukla had been honoured for his exceptional courage and fearless resolve during the Axiom-4 mission.
Her message made it clear that the award recognised not only his historic space milestone but also the bravery, discipline and mental strength he displayed during a complex and high-risk human spaceflight mission.
First Indian On ISS
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla created history when he became the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4).
The mission launched aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft and successfully docked with the ISS after more than 24 hours in orbit.
Shukla spent nearly 18 days aboard the ISS, making him one of the longest-staying Indian astronauts in space.
Although Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space in 1984, Shukla’s flight marked the first-ever Indian presence on the ISS, making it a landmark moment in India’s human spaceflight journey.
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Courage During Mission
During the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla worked in a demanding microgravity environment and carried out high-value scientific and operational tasks.
He took part in research related to space anaemia, cardiovascular changes, muscle degeneration and agricultural growth in space, all of which are critical for future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
Officials later said the Ashoka Chakra recognised not just his technical excellence but also his calm leadership, discipline and courage during a mission where even a minor error could have led to catastrophic consequences.
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Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a senior officer in the Indian Air Force and a trained fighter pilot.
He was commissioned into the IAF’s fighter stream in June 2006 and has logged over 2,000 hours of flying experience.
He has flown a wide range of aircraft, including Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier and An-32, showcasing his versatility and operational skill.
Astronaut Training Journey
Before flying to the ISS, Shukla underwent extensive astronaut training in collaboration with ISRO, NASA and international partners.
He later joined Axiom Space’s human spaceflight programme and earned a seat as the pilot of the Axiom-4 mission, becoming the first Indian to take part in a commercial human spaceflight to the ISS.
Boost To Gaganyaan
The experience and scientific data Shukla gathered in space will directly support India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
His research will help Indian scientists better understand how the human body adapts to microgravity and long-duration space travel.
Experts said his mission significantly strengthened India’s readiness for future indigenous human space missions.
Nation Hails Honour
Leaders, scientists, defence officials and citizens across India praised Shukla’s achievement and the President’s decision to honour him with the Ashoka Chakra.
Many described the award as a proud moment for the nation and a symbol of India’s growing stature in global space exploration.
New Space Chapter
Shukla’s recognition comes 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s historic spaceflight and marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s human space journey.
With the Ashoka Chakra now added to his name, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla stands as a national icon of courage, scientific excellence and service to the nation.
His achievement is expected to inspire a new generation of Indian pilots, scientists and astronauts.
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