Union Minister Jitendra Singh has hailed the return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the Axiom-4 mission as a landmark moment for India’s space journey and its standing in the global scientific community. Speaking shortly after the live splashdown of the SpaceX Dragon capsule Grace off the coast of San Diego, Singh declared, “India has found a lasting space in the world of space.” The spacecraft concluded a 22.5-hour descent following an 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Shukla’s return was described as a “moment of pride for the world, a moment of glory” for India. As one of four astronauts aboard the Axiom-4 commercial mission—alongside mission commander Peggy Whitson from the United States, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary—Shukla represented India’s evolving commitment to international space collaboration.
Singh stated that the mission marked a new era for India’s scientific and technological ambitions, and confirmed that the experiments undertaken were unprecedented, with far-reaching implications for global space exploration and humanity’s future.
All four astronauts will now undergo quarantine until July 23 to complete medical and re-adaptation protocols. From July 24 onward, Shukla will participate in discussions with ISRO, followed by debriefings with Axiom and NASA. Singh indicated Shukla is expected to return to India around August 17 after completing his obligations overseas.
Singh described the Indian astronaut as a Vishwa Bandhu—a global citizen—who exemplified Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the idea that the world is one family. He stated that Shukla’s mission was not just scientific but symbolic of India’s role as a trusted partner in the shared journey of space-faring nations.
The minister also reiterated that the successful Axiom-4 mission aligns with Modi’s call to “look to the skies and dream big,” noting that this milestone will inspire future generations to pursue careers in science and space. He said India’s participation in human spaceflight, including the forthcoming Gaganyaan mission, signals a confident step toward global space leadership.
India’s involvement in Axiom-4 underlines its growing stature in joint exploration ventures, and Shukla’s return stands as a powerful testimony to its ability to deliver excellence in the expanding frontier of commercial and collaborative spaceflight.
