India is celebrating a historic moment as Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla blasts off aboard the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station, becoming the first Indian to achieve this milestone. The mission, which launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, has brought together astronauts from India, the US, Hungary, and Poland on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
President Droupadi Murmu called the launch a moment of national pride and joy. She praised Shukla’s achievement as a symbol of unity and international collaboration, referencing the ancient Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family. She also acknowledged the scientific importance of the mission, which includes several groundbreaking experiments supported by ISRO and NASA.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed the nation’s pride on X, highlighting that Shukla’s journey represents the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. He added that the mission reaffirms India’s growing stature in global space exploration.
The Union Cabinet, led by PM Modi, officially passed a resolution honoring the successful launch and Shukla’s pioneering voyage. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh described the mission as a major stride in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation and a leader in space research.
Dr. Singh and other dignitaries, including Australian diplomats, marked the launch with celebrations and sweets. He noted that reforms under PM Modi have significantly boosted India’s presence in global space initiatives, and lauded ISRO’s collaborative achievements.
The mission’s success was also recognized across the political spectrum. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge of the Congress party both congratulated Shukla, invoking the legacy of Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma—the first Indian in space in 1984. Gandhi emphasized the inspirational impact of Shukla’s journey on the next generation.
Other national leaders including Rajnath Singh, Piyush Goyal, and Yogi Adityanath also extended their best wishes. The Indian Air Force celebrated the moment with a powerful statement, honoring Shukla’s journey as a continuation of India’s celestial ambitions.
Back in Lucknow, Shukla’s hometown, his family and relatives gathered to celebrate his ascent beyond Earth. The four-member Axiom-4 crew is commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and includes astronauts from Poland and Hungary.
Docking at the ISS is expected at 4 PM IST on Thursday, as the crew begins its mission of research and international cooperation in space.
