TFP Bureau, New Delhi, July 16, 2025: The Union Cabinet warmly welcomed the safe return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on July 15, 2025, following his landmark 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This historic journey, which began with the launch on June 25, marks the first time an Indian astronaut has traveled to the ISS, symbolizing India’s expanding horizons in human spaceflight.
The Cabinet described the event as a moment of immense pride and joy for the entire nation, applauding Group Captain Shukla’s exemplary role as Mission Pilot and his seamless collaboration with the Axiom-4 Crew and Expedition 73 teams. During his stay in microgravity, he conducted groundbreaking experiments on muscle regeneration, microbial growth, crop viability, cognitive function in space, and cyanobacteria behaviour. These studies are expected to deepen global scientific understanding and provide valuable insights for India’s future missions.
This mission represents a major step forward for India’s space programme, complementing recent achievements such as the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing in 2023 and the ongoing Aditya-L1 solar mission. It also advances India’s ambitions toward indigenous human spaceflight efforts including the Gaganyaan mission and the future Bharatiya Antariksha Station.
The Cabinet expressed gratitude to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), scientists, and engineers whose relentless dedication made this feat possible. It also praised Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership, which has propelled India into the league of leading spacefaring nations.
Beyond its technical significance, Group Captain Shukla’s mission serves as a beacon of inspiration for India’s youth, fostering scientific curiosity, innovation, and a spirit of entrepreneurship. With over 300 space startups now emerging in India, the government’s reforms are rapidly expanding the nation’s space economy and creating substantial employment opportunities.
The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” — a developed India by 2047 — with this mission energizing national resolve to achieve scientific excellence and global leadership in space exploration.
