By Admin 
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praised the International Space Station (ISS) mission of Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Monday (August 18, 2025). He described it as an “powerful symbol” of India’s human space flight ambitions and an important part of the upcoming Gaganyaan program.
Tharoor’s statement on the absence of opposition
Tharoor said, “Since the opposition is not participating in a particular discussion, I want to say that all Indians are proud of Commander Shubhanshu Shukla’s recent ISS mission. It is an important step towards our country’s Gaganyaan Human Space Flight Program.”
Opposition shied away from session
Earlier, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju had appealed to the opposition parties to attend the special discussion on Shukla’s mission and India’s space program in the Lok Sabha. However, many opposition leaders did not attend this session demanding a discussion on alleged voter fraud.
1/3 Since the opption is not participating in the special discussion, let me say how proud all Indians are of the recent mission of community shubhanshu shukla to the interactive space station (Iss). It served as a stepping stone to our nation’s oven human spaceflight… https://t.co/y1bwqcceg6
– Shashi Tharoor (@Shashitharoor) August 18, 2025
ISRO got precious experience
Tharoor said that Shukla’s flight gave the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) such an invaluable direct experience and data that cannot be achieved in simulation. This includes understanding of spacecraft systems, projection procedures, and direct experience of psychological and physical effects of microscravity. He said that this experience will be very important in making Gaganyaan Mission safe and better.
Scientific and technical benefits
During this mission, Indian systems and protocols were tested in the actual environment of space. This also led to scientific conclusions-such as human health studies and uses on plant growth-which will shape life-support and medical systems for future Indian space flights.
Diplomatic importance
Emphasizing the diplomatic aspect of the mission, Tharoor said that it is a milestone in “global space diplomacy”. This proved to be the preparation of India’s multilateral cooperation and opened new avenues of joint research and investment.
Inspiration for youth
Tharoor said that the historic flight of Commander Shukla has given a strong symbol to India’s human space flight ambitions. It has inspired the new generation of the country to make a career in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and space studies, which is necessary for India’s long -term space goals.