The Union Cabinet has formally welcomed the safe return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from his landmark space mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), hailing it as a moment of immense pride and national achievement.

Returning to Earth on 15th July 2025, after completing an 18-day mission, Group Captain Shukla has made history as the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS—a milestone that reflects the boundless aspirations of a rising India and marks a new era in the country’s space exploration journey.

Launched on 25th June 2025 as the Mission Pilot of the Axiom-4 crew, Shukla’s mission stands as a pivotal moment for India's space programme. The Cabinet highlighted this accomplishment as a major step forward in India's human spaceflight ambitions, including the upcoming Gaganyaan mission and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksha Station.

During his time on the ISS, Group Captain Shukla conducted a series of pioneering experiments in microgravity, focusing on critical areas such as muscle regeneration, microbial and algal growth, crop viability, cyanobacteria behavior, microbial survivability, and cognitive performance in space. These scientific efforts are expected to significantly enhance global understanding of long-duration human spaceflight and provide invaluable data for India’s future missions.

The Cabinet commended the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the country’s scientific community for their dedication and innovation, which made this mission possible. It also acknowledged Shukla’s exemplary collaboration with fellow astronauts from the Axiom-4 crew and Expedition 73, symbolizing India’s growing leadership in international space cooperation.

In its resolution, the Cabinet praised the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, whose strategic foresight and unwavering support have enabled India to scale new heights in space science and technology. The government noted recent achievements such as the Chandrayaan-3's historic landing near the Moon's South Pole and the Aditya-L1 solar mission, which continue to strengthen India’s standing among global space powers.

The Cabinet further highlighted the success of the Government’s space sector reforms, which have spurred unprecedented growth—leading to the emergence of around 300 new space startups, creating jobs, and nurturing a dynamic innovation ecosystem.

Group Captain Shukla’s mission, the Cabinet noted, is more than a personal triumph; it is a powerful symbol of inspiration for India’s youth. It is expected to ignite scientific curiosity, promote innovation, and encourage young Indians to pursue careers in science and technology.

Reaffirming its commitment to building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, the Cabinet expressed confidence that this landmark mission will galvanize national efforts towards achieving that vision and securing India’s place as a global leader in space exploration.