New Delhi: President Shrimati Droupadi Murmu conferred the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, upon Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path on Monday. The prestigious honour recognizes the fighter pilot’s exceptional courage and resolute spirit during the historic Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station.
Group Captain Shukla created history in June 2025 by becoming the first Indian astronaut to set foot on the International Space Station. Serving as the mission pilot for the 18-day voyage, he became only the second Indian citizen to travel into space, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s landmark flight in 1984. The mission, a collaborative effort involving ISRO and NASA, saw Shukla conducting over 60 complex scientific experiments in microgravity, including studies on space anemia and cardiovascular health.
The ceremony at Kartavya Path took place following the traditional 21-gun salute. The President approved the award on the eve of Republic Day as part of a list of 70 gallantry decorations for armed forces personnel. Officials noted that the decision to award the Ashok Chakra to an astronaut reflects the nation’s recognition of the high-stakes bravery required for human space exploration and its growing importance to India’s strategic future.
Hailing from Lucknow, Group Captain Shukla is an experienced Indian Air Force test pilot with over 2,000 flying hours on advanced fighter jets like the Su-30MKI and MiG-29. His successful tenure aboard the space station is considered a vital precursor to India’s upcoming indigenous crewed mission, Gaganyaan.