Shashi Tharoor Hails Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s ISS Mission: “Proud to See an Indian Back in Space After 41 Years”

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: Congress MP and former diplomat Shashi Tharoor on Thursday expressed immense pride and admiration for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is currently en route to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Mission 4. Shukla becomes the first Indian to reach the ISS and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984—marking a 41-year milestone.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Tharoor wrote:

“Proud to see an Indian back in space after 41 years! Congratulations to Grp Cpt Shubhanshu Shukla @IndiainSky on his way to becoming the first Indian in the International Space Station. Wishing him and his fellow astronauts aboard Axiom-4 (from Hungary, Poland and the US) all success and a safe return home. Not even the sky’s the limit!”

The Axiom-4 mission is a collaborative international effort involving astronauts from Hungary, Poland, the United States, and India. Organized by Axiom Space in coordination with NASA and other global partners, the mission emphasizes commercial space travel and scientific research aboard the ISS.

Tharoor’s congratulatory message drew bipartisan praise, showcasing the unified national pride in Shukla’s achievement. The mission is not only a significant moment for India's space legacy but also a stepping stone toward future collaborations in human spaceflight, including ISRO’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.