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Shubhanshu Shukla was welcomed at the airport by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and ISRO Chairman V Narayanan. (Source: X/Rekha Gupta)
With the Opposition parties skipping a discussion in the Lok Sabha on Shubhanshu Shukla’s space journey as part of its protest against the Central government, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor took to his social media to call the space mission a a pivotal moment for India’s human spaceflight ambitions.
He said the mission had “captured the nation’s imagination” and would inspire many young Indians to explore careers in space science and technology.
Responding to a tweet by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on X, the Congress leader confirmed the absence of Opposition from the special discussion. “Since the Opposition are not participating in the special discussion, let me say how proud all Indians are of the recent mission of Commander Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS),” he said.
In a series of posts on X, the Congress leader elaborated on the significance of Shukla’s mission for India’s space program, particularly ISRO’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
1/3 Since the Opposition are not participating in the special discussion, let me say how proud all Indians are of the recent mission of Commander Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS). It served as a stepping stone to our nation’s own human spaceflight… https://t.co/y1BWqccEg6
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 18, 2025
“Shukla’s mission provided ISRO invaluable hands-on experience & data that cannot be replicated in simulations. His first-hand observations on pre-launch procedures, spacecraft systems, and the psychological and physiological effects of microgravity are crucial for de-risking and refining the Gaganyaan mission.”
Tharoor also spoke about the importance of the mission in strengthening India’s position, saying that working with international space agencies was a big step forward for India’s role in global space efforts.
“His mission in partnership with international agencies reinforced India’s role in global space diplomacy. It demonstrates India’s willingness and capability to engage in multilateral space efforts and opens doors for future joint research and investment,” he said.
“Commander Shukla’s historic flight serves as a powerful symbol of India’s ambitions in human spaceflight. It has captured the nation’s imagination, inspiring a new generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, maths & space studies — all essential for sustaining India’s long-term space goals. Well done!”
English (US) ·