Defence Minister meets Shubhanshu Shukla, says his journey will motivate young people

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (August 21, 2025) met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS), and congratulated him on his landmark achievement.

Calling it a “major milestone” in India’s human spaceflight journey, Mr. Singh lauded Group Captain Shukla’s contribution through vital scientific experiments conducted in orbit, and praised his role in advancing India’s space research and exploration capabilities. He expressed confidence that the astronaut’s inspiring journey will motivate young Indians to pursue careers in science, technology and space.

In a post on social media platform X after the meeting, the Defence Minister said they discussed Group Captain Shukla’s space mission, his experiments onboard the ISS, technological advances, and the road ahead with India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

Role of the IAF

Mr. Singh highlighted the Indian Air Force’s pivotal role in astronaut selection, training, and mission support in collaboration with the ISRO. He said the professionalism and expertise of IAF personnel are key enablers of India’s progress towards manned space missions.

The Ministry of Defence noted that with globally recognised achievements in lunar and Mars exploration, India is now moving towards manned space missions and the eventual establishment of its own space station. Group Captain Shukla’s successful mission aboard the ISS, it added, reflects the synergy between the ISRO, the IAF, and other national stakeholders in strengthening India’s status as a spacefaring nation.