New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday praised Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla for his historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS), describing it as a "powerful symbol" of India’s aspirations in human spaceflight and a vital stepping stone towards the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tharoor expressed pride on behalf of all Indians, particularly in light of the Opposition’s absence from a special discussion in Parliament. “Let me say how proud all Indians are of the recent mission of Commander Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS),” he wrote, calling the mission a “stepping stone” to India's first human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan.

Tharoor highlighted the significance of the mission in providing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) with “invaluable hands-on experience and data that cannot be replicated in simulations.” He noted that Shukla’s first-hand observations--ranging from pre-launch protocols to the psychological and physiological effects of microgravity--will play a critical role in de-risking and refining the Gaganyaan mission.

He also underscored the mission’s contribution to testing Indian systems and protocols in a real space environment. “The numerous scientific experiments, including studies on human health in space and plant growth, provide technological and scientific validation which will directly help design the life-support and medical systems for Gaganyaan,” Tharoor added.

Beyond technical and scientific contributions, Tharoor stressed the diplomatic and symbolic importance of Shukla’s mission, which was conducted in collaboration with international agencies. The endeavour, he said, “reinforced India's role in global space diplomacy” and “opens doors for future joint research and investment.”

Calling Shukla’s flight “historic,” Tharoor said it had captured the imagination of the nation, inspiring a new generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and space studies—fields essential to sustaining India’s long-term space goals.

“Commander Shukla's historic flight serves as a powerful symbol of India's ambitions in human spaceflight… Well done!” Tharoor concluded.