Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 25: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been conferred the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime military decoration, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the nation’s space programme through his historic journey and stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Shukla created history on June 26, 2025, when he reached the ISS after launching aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre. With this feat, he became the first Indian astronaut to set foot on the ISS. He is the second Indian to travel to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard a Soviet spacecraft 41 years ago.

The honour acknowledges Shukla’s role in advancing India’s presence in human spaceflight and enhancing international cooperation in space exploration.

Meanwhile, Group Captain PB Nair, one of the four designated astronauts for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, has been awarded the Kirti Chakra for his distinguished service.

The government also announced the recipients of the Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra, the country’s three highest military decorations.

List of awardees

Ashoka Chakra

• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

Kirti Chakra

• Major Arshdeep Singh

• Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba

• Group Captain PB Nair

Shaurya Chakra

• Lt Colonel Ghatage Aditya Shrikumar

• Major Anshul Baltoo

• Major Shivkant Yadav

• Major Vivek

• Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh

• Captain Yogender Singh Thakur

• Subedar P H Moses

• Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand (Posthumous)

• Rifleman Manglem Sang Vaiphei

• Rifleman Dhurba Jyoti Dutta

• Lt Commander Dilna K (Navy)

• Lt Commander Roopa A (Navy)

• Assistant Commandant Vipin Wilson (MHA)

The awards honour acts of exceptional bravery, distinguished service and gallantry by personnel from the armed forces and other security services.