Astronaut Shukla gets Ashok Chakra for historic ISS mission; Prez clears VSM for Col Sofia Qureshi who helped counter false Pak narratives during Op Sindoor | India News

NEW DELHI: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who made history by becoming the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS) and the second Indian to reach space after Rakesh Sharma, was on Sunday awarded Ashok Chakra, the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the defence ministry announced on the eve of the 77th Republic Day.The honour comes after his landmark 18-day mission to the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission in June 2025. During his visit to space, Shukla conducted over 60 complex scientific experiments. He is also the leading candidate for India’s maiden Gaganyaan mission. Shukla is a qualified test pilot of IAF with over 2,000 hours of flying experience on a wide variety of aircraft, including MiG-29, Jaguar and Sukhoi Su-30MKI.Extending its “heartfelt congratulations” to Shukla, the defence ministry said, “This prestigious honour stands as a testament to his exceptional courage, dedication and selfless service to the nation.”The air force, in a message on X, stated, “As India’s second astronaut, his achievement reflects exceptional operational excellence, mission readiness, rigorous discipline and highest standards of courage in service to the nation.”Days before the Ashoka Chakra announcement, Shukla, who hails from Lucknow, was awarded ‘Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Award’ by Yogi Adityanath-led govt in UP for his immense contribution to space science.Besides Ashoka Chakra for Shukla, President Droupadi Murmu has approved gallantry awards for 70 armed forces personnel, including six posthumously. Three Kirti Chakras; 13 Shaurya Chakras, including one posthumously; one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry); 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry), including five posthumously; six Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry); and two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry) have been awarded.The Kirti Chakra awardees are Major Arshdeep Singh, Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba and Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair.Army officer Colonel Sofia Qureshi, who was entrusted with addressing the media alongside IAF Wing Commander Vyomika Singh to help counter false Pakistan narratives and explain India’s targeted action against terror infrastructure in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor last year, will be honoured with the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), following approval from President Droupadi Murmu. The award recognises her distinguished service, particularly her key role in communicating the objectives of Operation Sindoor to the world after the Pahalgam terror attack.The President also approved 301 military decorations for armed forces and other personnel. Among these are 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals; four Uttam Yudh Seva Medals; 56 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals; 9 Yudh Seva Medals; two Bar to Sena Medals (Distinguished); 43 Sena Medals (Distinguished); eight Nao Sena Medals (Distinguished); 14 Vayu Sena Medals (Distinguished); and 135 Vishisht Seva Medals.