“Tharoor Hails Shubhanshu Shukla’s ISS Mission as a Milestone After Opposition Skips Special Lok Sabha Discussion”

On August 18, 2025, during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, a special Lok Sabha discussion was scheduled to honour Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla upon his return from a landmark mission to the International Space Station (ISS). However, all major opposition parties, including Congress, chose to boycott the session, citing a separate demand to address alleged voter fraud before joining the proceedings.

In the absence of formal opposition participation, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor took to his social media platform (formerly known as Twitter) to commend Shukla’s accomplishment. He stated:

“Since the Opposition are not participating in the special discussion, let me say how proud all Indians are of the recent mission of Commander Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS). It served as a stepping stone to our nation’s own human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan.”

Tharoor emphasized that Shukla’s mission provided ISRO with invaluable operational insights—ranging from pre-launch procedures and spacecraft systems to physiological effects in microgravity—that cannot be replicated through simulations. These insights, he noted, are vital for de-risking and refining India’s future human spaceflight ambitions.

Moreover, Tharoor highlighted the mission’s role in bolstering global space diplomacy, as it showcased India’s willingness to collaborate with international space agencies—opening doors for joint research and investment opportunities.

He also celebrated the mission’s inspirational impact: “Commander Shukla’s historic flight serves as a powerful symbol of India’s ambitions in human spaceflight. It has captured the nation’s imagination, inspiring a new generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, maths & space studies—all essential for sustaining India’s long-term space goals. Well done!”