Politics Overshadows India’s Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic Space Mission

India witnessed a historic milestone when Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force test pilot and ISRO astronaut, successfully returned from the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Spending nearly three weeks in orbit, Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS, and only the second Indian in history to venture into space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. His return to New Delhi on August 17, 2025, was marked by a grand reception at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, attended by top officials including Union Minister Jitendra Singh, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, and Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Crowds gathered in large numbers, waving the tricolour, as the nation welcomed back its new space hero.

Rajnath Singh | Moneycontrol

Special Lok Sabha Discussion Turns Contentious

In recognition of Shukla’s achievement, the Lok Sabha scheduled a special discussion on August 18 under the theme “India’s First Astronaut Aboard the International Space Station – The Critical Role of the Space Programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047.” The occasion was expected to be an opportunity for Parliament to rise above politics and celebrate a national achievement. However, the session did not unfold as intended.

The proceedings were disrupted by Opposition members, who raised protests over electoral roll issues in Bihar and chose to boycott the discussion. Their absence and sloganeering forced the session to be adjourned, turning what could have been a unifying celebration of India’s space journey into a contentious political episode.

Rajnath Singh’s Strong Rebuke

The disruptions drew a sharp reaction from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who called the behaviour “extremely disappointing” and “deeply unfortunate.” He argued that India’s achievements in space exploration should stand above partisan divides, stressing that the nation’s scientists and armed forces officers deserved respect and recognition, not political drama. Singh further urged that Parliament must set an example by honouring those who bring glory to India on the global stage.

On social media, Singh reiterated his disappointment, reminding leaders across parties that the moment was about national pride, not political rivalry. He appealed for maturity in addressing such occasions, stating that Shukla’s contribution would inspire generations of Indians to dream bigger in science and technology.

Government Ministers Call for Unity

Echoing Singh’s words, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who heads the Department of Space, also condemned the Opposition’s behaviour. He emphasized that attacking or trivialising the achievement of a serving Air Force officer and astronaut was a matter of shame. According to him, India’s progress in space exploration symbolises the aspirations of a rising nation, and occasions like these should be beyond political disputes.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also appealed to the Opposition for cooperation. He noted that in the past, Parliament has united to honour milestones that reflect India’s progress, and this occasion should have been treated with the same dignity.

Opposition Voices and Mixed Reactions

While Opposition parties chose not to participate in the discussion, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor struck a different note. Taking to social media, Tharoor praised Shukla’s achievement and described the ISS mission as a stepping stone for India’s future in human spaceflight. He underlined that the astronaut’s work would provide critical experience for Gaganyaan, India’s upcoming crewed space programme. Tharoor’s remarks stood in contrast to the disruptive tone of the broader Opposition, highlighting a split in responses.

The Broader Impact of the Mission

Beyond politics, the Axiom-4 mission carried immense symbolic and strategic significance. Costing the Indian government around ₹548 crore, the mission marked India’s growing collaboration with international space agencies and private enterprises. During his stay at the ISS, Shukla conducted experiments, interacted with schoolchildren, and even engaged in a live video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he described the Earth from orbit as “a vision of beauty and responsibility.”

Shukla also presented Prime Minister Modi with the official mission patch and photographs of Earth taken from the ISS, a gesture that further underlined the mission’s cultural and scientific value. His successful participation has not only elevated India’s reputation in the global space community but also provided valuable insights that will shape ISRO’s upcoming ventures, particularly its goal of building an Indian space station by 2035.

Conclusion

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to the ISS was a defining moment in India’s space history—an achievement that should have united the nation in pride and admiration. Instead, the political discord in Parliament cast a shadow over what should have been an unequivocal celebration. Yet, beyond the immediate controversies, Shukla’s mission stands as a reminder of India’s growing potential in science, technology, and exploration.

As India prepares for Gaganyaan and beyond, his mission represents not only personal courage but also the ambitions of a nation striving to take its place among the world’s foremost spacefaring powers. Politics may have disrupted the day’s proceedings, but the legacy of Shubhanshu Shukla’s achievement will inspire India for decades to come.

(Sources: NDTV, Moneycontrol, Times of India)