Republic Day 2026: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Honoured with Ashok Chakra for Historic ISS Mission

New Delhi: Indian astronaut and IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, for his historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS). President Droupadi Murmu approved the gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel on the eve of the 77th Republic Day.

Group Captain Shukla created history in June 2025 by becoming the first Indian to visit the International space station and the second Indian to travel to space, marking a major milestone in India’s space journey.

Axiom-4: Historic Space Mission 

Group Captain Shukla was part of the Axiom-4 mission and spent 18 days aboard the International Space Station. His mission came 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s spaceflight in 1984, symbolising India’s renewed presence in human spaceflight.

The award recognises his contribution to advancing India’s presence in space through persistent readiness and courage. 

As an accomplished fighter pilot, he has accumulated over 2,000 hours of flying experience on a wide range of aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32, the Indian Air Force said. 

The Indian Air Force congratulated Captain Shukla. In a post on social media platform X, the IAF achievement reflects “exceptional operational excellence, rigorous discipline and the highest standards of courage in service to the nation.” 

Matter of great pride: Family expresses immense joy

Reacting to the honour, his sister Suchi Mishra expressed pride in her brother. 

Speaking to ANI, she said, “It's a matter of great pride. He has worked so hard, and he's receiving this recognition. It's a matter of great pride because in such a large population, he is the only one who has taken India's name to such heights.”

Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman

Earlier, Group Captain Shukla was also conferred with the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman 2026. Speaking on the occasion, he said that returning to his birthplace always makes him feel good and that such initiatives inspire the youth and motivate them to dream big.

"I always feel very good after coming to my birthplace... The youth will get a lot of motivation from programmes like these... This is a very good initiative of the government..." he said. 

Gallantry awards announced

The list of gallantry awards includes one Ashok Chakra, three Kirti Chakras, 13 Shaurya Chakras, one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry), six Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry). Six awards have been given posthumously.

Among the recipients are Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth and several personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force. Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Major Arshdeep Singh and Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba will receive the Kirti Chakra, while Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth will be honoured with the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal.