#Shubhanshu Shukla Ashok Chakra# Indian astronaut Ashok Chakra# ISS Indian astronaut# Axiom-4 mission India# Ashok Chakra award 2026# Republic Day gallantry awards# Indian Air Force astronaut# Ashok Chakra recipient# Indian space mission hero# gallantry awards India
IBNS-CMEDIA: 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.”
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)
