Shashi Tharoor hails Shubhanshu Shukla’s space journey amid Opposition boycott: 'Let me say this...'

Confirming that the Opposition will not participate in the special parliamentary discussion to honour Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's space achievements, party MP Shashi Tharoor voiced resounding praise for India’s space hero.

In a post on X, Tharoor said Shukla's historic flight serves as a powerful symbol of India's ambitions in human spaceflight. “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),” he said.

According to Tharoor, Shukla’s mission served as a stepping stone to the nation's own human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan. “Shukla's mission provided ISRO invaluable hands-on experience & data that cannot be replicated in simulations. His first-hand observations on pre-launch procedures, spacecraft systems, and the psychological and physiological effects of microgravity are crucial for de-risking and refining the Gaganyaan mission,” he said.

He said Shukla's mission 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,” he said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju earlier on Monday urged opposition parties to participate in a discussion in the Lok Sabha on Shukla's successful mission.