Opposition to skip special Lok Sabha discussion on astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Tharoor praises his achievement

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, on Monday, stated that the Opposition will not be a part of the special discussion in the Lok Sabha during the monsoon session on astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission. 

Tharoor, however, praised the astronaut's achievement, calling it a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, while replying to a post by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, wherein he urged a special discussion in Lok Sabha on Shubhanshu Shukla. 

In his post, Tharoor wrote, "Since the Opposition is 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. Shukla's mission provided ISRO invaluable hands-on experience and data that cannot be replicated in simulations." 

He said that the first-hand observations of Shukla on pre-launch procedures, spacecraft systems, and the psychological and physiological effects of microgravity were significant for de-risking and refining the Gaganyaan mission. Adding, "The mission allowed for the testing of Indian systems and protocols in a real-life 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." 

3/3 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…

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 18, 2025

The Congress MP also reflected upon the diplomatic impact of the mission. He said, "Shukla's mission, conducted in partnership with international agencies, reinforced India's role in global space diplomacy. It demonstrates India's willingness and capability to engage in multilateral space efforts and opens doors for future joint research and investment." 

He concluded that the historic feat achieved by Shubhanshu Shukla would inspire India's youth, adding, "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, and space studies - all essential for sustaining India's long-term space goals. Well done!" 

Union minister Kiren Rijiju had mentioned on X that the Lok Sabha will honor Shubhanshu Shukla with a special discussion. He wrote on X, "Our hero, astronaut Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, has returned home after a successful mission to the International Space Station. Parliament will honor him with a special discussion on his historic milestone and India's growing space ambitions in our journey towards."