As Oppn skips Lok Sabha discussion on Shubhanshu Shukla’s space journey, Shashi Tharoor says: ‘Mission a symbol of India’s ambitions in human spaceflight’

Responding to a tweet by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on X, the Congress leader confirmed the absence of Opposition from the special discussion. “Since the Opposition are not participating in the special discussion, let me say how proud all Indians are of the recent mission of Commander Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS),” he said.

In a series of posts on X, the Congress leader elaborated on the significance of Shukla’s mission for India’s space program, particularly ISRO’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

1/3 Since the Opposition are not participating in the special discussion, let me say how proud all Indians are of the recent mission of Commander Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS). It served as a stepping stone to our nation’s own human spaceflight… https://t.co/y1BWqccEg6

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 18, 2025

“Shukla’s mission provided ISRO invaluable hands-on experience & data that cannot be replicated in simulations. His first-hand observations on pre-launch procedures, spacecraft systems, and the psychological and physiological effects of microgravity are crucial for de-risking and refining the Gaganyaan mission.”

Tharoor also spoke about the importance of the mission in strengthening India’s position, saying that working with international space agencies was a big step forward for India’s role in global space efforts.

“His mission in partnership with international agencies reinforced India’s role in global space diplomacy. It demonstrates India’s willingness and capability to engage in multilateral space efforts and opens doors for future joint research and investment,” he said.

“Commander Shukla’s historic flight serves as a powerful symbol of India’s ambitions in human spaceflight. It has captured the nation’s imagination, inspiring a new generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, maths & space studies — all essential for sustaining India’s long-term space goals. Well done!”

Shubhanshu Shukla’s return

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla landed in India on Sunday, after a successful space mission. He was received by Union Science Minister Jitendra Singh and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at the Delhi Airport.

Senior officials from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), including chairperson Dr V Narayanan, and the director of the country’s Human Spaceflight Centre, DK Singh, were also present to welcome Shukla and his back-up, Group Captain Prashanth Nair.

The Lok Sabha will hold a special discussion today (August 18) on the subject ‘India’s first astronaut aboard the International Space Station – Critical role of the space programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047 – to mark astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s return to India.

Shukla will also be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi before heading to his hometown, Lucknow.