Shubhanshu Shukla gets Ashoka Chakra, Col Sofiya Qureshi awarded Vishisht Seva Medal

President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of gallantry awards on 70 personnel of the Armed Forces, including six posthumous honours. The awards have been approved on the eve of Republic Day. The biggest highlight of the list is the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, which will be conferred on Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. He has been honoured for his exemplary courage and leadership during India’s historic space mission to the International Space Station (ISS). 

Moreover, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who emerged as a key face representing India on the global stage during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan-based terrorists in 2025, has also been selected for the Vishisht Seva Medal in the 2026 Republic Day honours list.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla created history in June 2025 by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station.  He was part of the Axiom-4 mission, making him only the second Indian to travel to space, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. Shukla



spent 18 days in space, carrying out complex scientific and technical operations that marked a major milestone for India’s space journey.

Apart from his achievements in space, Shukla is a highly experienced fighter pilot with over 2,000 hours of flying experience. He has flown a wide range of aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier and An-32, showcasing an exceptional professional record in the Indian Air Force.

During his stay aboard the ISS, Shukla led and supported over 60 scientific experiments, including seven experiments conducted for ISRO. These studies focused on human health in space, material science, and biological research, providing valuable inputs for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, scheduled for 2027.

Gallantry awards announced

Along with the Ashoka Chakra, the President has approved:

. 3 Kirti Chakras

. 13 Shaurya Chakras (including one posthumous)

. 1 Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry)

. 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry)