New Delhi, August 21 (HS): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station, hailing his remarkable achievement as a “historic milestone in India’s human spaceflight journey.”

Singh expressed confidence that Shukla’s inspiring feat will ignite young minds across the nation to pursue careers in science, technology, and space exploration, as India moves steadily toward its ambitious Gaganyaan Mission and the development of its own space station.

Recalling their interaction, Singh said:“I was delighted to meet Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut on the ISS. We discussed his inspiring journey, critical experiments conducted in orbit, and the future of India’s Gaganyaan mission. His success is a source of pride for the entire nation.”

The Defence Minister also applauded the synergy between the Indian Air Force and ISRO in astronaut training and mission support, stressing that such collaboration would be pivotal for India's growing footprint in outer space.

Singh further noted that three days ago in the Lok Sabha, he had condemned the Opposition’s decision to boycott the discussion on Shukla’s space mission, calling it “unfortunate and disappointing.” He emphasized that matters related to India’s space programme must rise above partisan politics, adding that the debate was intended to highlight the significance of India’s space achievements, its role in Viksit Bharat 2047, and its strategic value in science, technology, and national security.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar