The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, passed a resolution on Wednesday lauding Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for his historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), hailing it as a landmark achievement that ushers in a new era for India’s space ambitions. The resolution, announced by Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, described Shukla’s journey as a “moment of pride, glory, and joy” for the nation, embodying the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.

Shukla, an Indian Air Force Group Captain, served as mission pilot for the Axiom-4 mission, launched on June 25, 2025, becoming the first Indian to visit the ISS. After spending 20 days in space, including 18 on the ISS, he returned to Earth on Tuesday via a SpaceX Dragon capsule splashdown off California’s coast. The Cabinet praised his mission as a “watershed moment” that strengthens India’s global standing in space exploration and paves the way for the Gaganyaan mission and Bharatiya Antariksha Station.

During his ISS stint, Shukla collaborated with the Axiom-4 crew and Expedition 73, conducting groundbreaking microgravity experiments on muscle regeneration, algal and microbial growth, crop viability, cognitive performance, and cyanobacteria behavior. “These studies will provide critical insights for India’s future space missions,” the resolution noted, commending the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and its scientists for their relentless efforts.

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The Cabinet credited Prime Minister Modi’s visionary leadership for driving India’s space achievements, including the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing in August 2023—celebrated as National Space Day—and the Aditya-L1 solar mission, which have bolstered global scientific understanding. The resolution highlighted the growth of India’s space economy, with 300 new startups fostering innovation and job creation, aligning with the goal of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

Shukla’s mission, the Cabinet declared, is a “beacon of inspiration” for young Indians, igniting scientific curiosity and encouraging careers in innovation. His success, backed by ISRO’s collaboration with NASA and Axiom Space, underscores India’s rising leadership in international space exploration.

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