From space to supreme honour: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashok Chakra
Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla was on Sunday named for the Ashok Chakra, the country’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
Shukla created history last year by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS). He is also only the second Indian to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharma.
He reached the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission, marking a landmark moment for India’s growing presence in space exploration.
Congratulating him, the Ministry of Defence wrote on X: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on being awarded the #AshokaChakra, the nation’s highest peacetime #gallantryaward. This prestigious honour stands as a testament to his exceptional courage, dedication and selfless service to the nation.”
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on being awarded the #AshokaChakra, the nation’s highest peacetime #gallantryaward. This prestigious honour stands as a testament to his exceptional courage, dedication and selfless service to the nation.… pic.twitter.com/8Mal6uUD0N
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) January 25, 2026
Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu has approved gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel, including six posthumous honours, on the eve of the 77th Republic Day.
The awards include:
One Ashok Chakra
Three Kirti Chakras
13 Shaurya Chakras (including one posthumous)
One Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry)
44 Sena Medals (Gallantry) (including five posthumous)
Six Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry)
Two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry)
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
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