August 18, 2025 — Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to journey to the International Space Station (ISS), returned to India on Sunday after a successful 18-day mission aboard NASA’s Axiom-4 spacecraft. His arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport was met with an enthusiastic reception from government officials, dignitaries, and citizens.
Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan welcomed Shukla, along with his wife, Kamna Shukla, and backup astronaut Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair. The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement lauding Shukla’s achievement as a historic milestone in India’s space exploration journey.
Following the airport ceremony, Shukla is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participate in National Space Day celebrations, where he will share insights from his time aboard the ISS. The Lok Sabha is also set to hold a special discussion to honour Shukla’s achievement and emphasize India’s growing presence in global space exploration.
Shukla’s mission is expected to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts, marking a defining moment in India’s pursuit of advanced space research. His safe return underscores the country’s expanding capabilities in manned space missions and reinforces India’s commitment to contributing to international space programs.
Shukla’s journey and hero’s welcome highlight India’s progress in space technology and its ambition to become a leading player in global space exploration by 2047.
