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Indian Astronaut Hails Space as Powerful Engine for 'Viksit Bharat 2047'
10 Oct
Summary
- First Indian to visit International Space Station
- Excited about India's space missions like Gaganyaan and Bharatiya Antariksh Station
- Space sector crucial for India's future development

In October 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), stated that the space sector is a "very big powerful engine" that will drive India towards realizing its 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision. Shukla, who scripted history earlier this year by becoming the first Indian to set foot on the ISS as part of an 18-day Axiom-4 mission, expressed his confidence in India's upcoming space endeavors.
Shukla highlighted that the momentum created by missions like Gaganyaan, India's first human space-flight program, and the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station, the country's orbital space station, will only continue to grow. He believes these complex projects will be crucial in propelling India forward on its path to development.
The IAF officer stated that space will be an important sector for India to achieve its dream of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. Shukla's own journey to the ISS has been a great learning experience, providing him with valuable technical information and scientific insights. As India sets its sights on the moon by 2040, Shukla remains excited to be a part of the country's ambitious space exploration efforts.