**Summary:**
On August 21, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS). The Raksha Mantri congratulated Gp Capt Shukla, recognizing his achievement as a significant milestone in India's human spaceflight program. Discussions centered on Gp Capt Shukla's space journey, the scientific experiments he conducted in orbit, advancements in science and technology, and the future of India's Gaganyaan mission. Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the Indian Air Force's (IAF) critical role in India's space program, specifically in astronaut selection, training, and mission support in collaboration with ISRO. He highlighted the IAF's professionalism and expertise as essential to the country's manned space mission objectives and the successful journey aboard the ISS demonstrated the synergy between ISRO, IAF and other national stakeholders. The meeting underscores India's continued progress towards manned space missions and establishing its own space station, building upon its achievements in lunar and Mars exploration.
Key Entities Referenced
Rajnath Singh: Raksha Mantri (Minister of Defence) of India who met with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.
Shubhanshu Shukla: Group Captain and the first Indian astronaut onboard the International Space Station (ISS).
International Space Station: A habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. Gp Capt Shukla was onboard this station.
New Delhi: The location where Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh met with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.
Indian Air Force: The air force of India, playing a vital role in India's space programme including astronaut selection and training.
ISRO: Indian Space Research Organisation, collaborating with IAF in the Gaganyaan mission and other space programs.
Gaganyaan: India's pioneering manned space mission.
Mars: India has achieved globally recognised exploration to Mars.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri meets Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla,
the first Indian astronaut onboard the International
Space Station
Gp Capt Shukla’s inspiring journey will motivate
young minds to pursue careers in science,
technology & space exploration: Shri Rajnath Singh
Posted On: 21 AUG 2025 2:34PM by PIB Delhi
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian
astronaut onboard the International Space Station (ISS), in New Delhi on August 21, 2025. Raksha
Mantri congratulated Gp Capt Shukla on his achievement, terming it as a major milestone in India’s
journey towards human spaceflight.
Shri Rajnath Singh acknowledged the astronaut’s contribution through the vital scientific experiment
conducted in the orbit and appreciated his role in advancing India’s space research and exploration
capabilities. He expressed confidence that his inspiring journey will motivate young minds to pursue careers
in science, technology, and space exploration.
In a post on X after the interaction, Raksha Mantri stated that he discussed with Gp Capt Shukla the inspiring
space journey, the vital experiments he undertook in orbit, advances in science and technology, and the road
ahead with India's pioneering Gaganyaan mission.
Delighted to meet Gp Capt Shubanshu Shukla, the first Indian Astronaut, on-board International
Space Station. We discussed his inspiring space journey, the vital experiments he undertook in
orbit, advances in science and technology, and the road ahead with India's pioneering…
pic.twitter.com/Vs9geqauwc
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 21, 2025
Shri Rajnath Singh underlined the pivotal role of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in India’s space programme,
including astronaut selection, training, and mission support in collaboration with ISRO. He emphasised that
the professionalism and expertise of IAF personnel are vital enablers of the country’s progress towards
manned space missions.
With globally recognised achievements in lunar and Mars exploration, India is now moving towards the
manned space missions and furthering it into establishment of its own space station. The successful journey of
Gp Capt Shukla aboard the ISS is a significant step in that direction, demonstrating the synergy between
ISRO, IAF and other national stakeholders in advancing the nation’s stature as a spacefaring nation.
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SR/Savvy(Release ID: 2158994)