Rajnath Singh Meets India’s First ISS Astronaut, Lauds Spaceflight Milestone

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to serve aboard the International Space Station (ISS), in New Delhi on August 21, 2025, marking a historic milestone in India’s human spaceflight journey.

A National Achievement in Space Exploration

Congratulating Gp Capt Shukla, Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement as a landmark moment for India’s space programme and a proud step forward in the country’s ambition to join the select league of nations with advanced manned spaceflight capabilities.

He praised the astronaut’s scientific experiments conducted in orbit, which contributed valuable data to international space research while enhancing India’s own knowledge base. “Your inspiring journey will ignite young minds to pursue careers in science, technology, and space exploration,” Singh said.

Interaction on Space Experiments and Gaganyaan

In a post shared on X, Rajnath Singh revealed that their discussion covered Gp Capt Shukla’s inspiring journey to space, the experiments he carried out in microgravity, advancements in science and technology, and the road ahead with India’s Gaganyaan mission.

The Gaganyaan programme, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), aims to send Indian astronauts into low-Earth orbit aboard an indigenous spacecraft. Shukla’s stint aboard the ISS is seen as a precursor and confidence-building milestone for that mission.

Indian Air Force’s Role in Space Missions

The Defence Minister also underlined the critical role of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in supporting the nation’s space programme. From astronaut selection and training to mission simulations and operational support, IAF personnel have been deeply integrated into India’s space endeavours.

“The professionalism and expertise of our Air Force officers are vital enablers in ensuring India’s success in human spaceflight,” Singh remarked.

India’s Expanding Spacefront

India has already won global acclaim with landmark missions such as Chandrayaan (lunar exploration) and Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission). With the successful presence of an Indian astronaut on the ISS, the country has now taken a strategic leap toward establishing its own space station in the future.

Gp Capt Shukla’s mission is being hailed as a demonstration of synergy between ISRO, IAF, and other national stakeholders, showcasing India’s growing stature as a credible spacefaring nation.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The Defence Minister concluded by noting that the achievement was not just technological, but also symbolic. It represents India’s ability to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

“Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey embodies the courage, discipline, and vision that will guide India as we move forward to the Gaganyaan mission and beyond,” Singh said.