New Delhi | January 26, 2026
In a moment of historic national pride, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been conferred the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day. The honour was approved by President Droupadi Murmu as part of the Gallantry Awards 2026, recognizing his extraordinary courage, leadership, and contribution to India’s space and defence capabilities.
A Historic First for Indian Spaceflight
Group Captain Shukla scripted history in 2025 by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) and only the second Indian to travel into space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma. As the primary mission pilot of Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4), he spent nearly 18 days aboard the ISS, conducting complex scientific experiments, handling demanding orbital operations, and demonstrating exceptional composure in extreme conditions.
His mission marked a strategic leap for India’s human spaceflight ambitions, strengthening India’s role in global space collaboration and paving the way for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
Why Ashok Chakra?
Traditionally awarded for acts of exceptional bravery in non-combat situations, the Ashok Chakra in Shukla’s case recognises gallantry in space operations — a domain rarely associated with military decorations.
Official citations highlight:
- Exceptional courage under high-risk orbital conditions
- Leadership during critical mission phases
- Operational excellence in microgravity, radiation exposure, and isolation
- Contribution to India’s strategic presence in space
Defence officials noted that space has now emerged as a critical domain of national security, and Shukla’s mission symbolises courage beyond terrestrial battlefields.
From Lucknow to Low Earth Orbit
Born in Lucknow in 1985, Shubhanshu Shukla joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) and later became a fighter pilot and test pilot in the Indian Air Force. Inspired by Rakesh Sharma’s historic 1984 spaceflight, his journey from a modest upbringing to becoming India’s ISS pioneer reflects determination, discipline, and excellence.
His achievement has ignited enthusiasm among India’s youth and reinforced India’s emergence as a serious spacefaring nation.
National Recognition & Strategic Impact
The Defence Ministry described the award as recognition of India’s expanding military-space convergence, underlining the strategic importance of astronauts, space pilots, and orbital operations in modern defence planning.
Alongside Shukla, 70 armed forces personnel were awarded gallantry medals this year, including Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, and Sena Medals, highlighting exceptional bravery across India’s defence services.
A Symbol of New India
Speaking after the announcement, Group Captain Shukla described the honour as a “collective blessing from the people of India”, dedicating it to every Indian who dreams of touching the stars.
His Ashok Chakra not only commemorates a historic space mission, but also symbolizes India’s rising stature in aerospace, defence, and strategic innovation.
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