Shubhanshu Shukla celebrates 20 years in IAF, reflects on journey

Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), recently celebrated 20 years since his commissioning into the Indian Air Force (IAF). Reflecting on his journey, he described his two decades in uniform as "a life well-lived."

In a heartfelt social media post, Group Captain Shukla reminisced about the day he graduated from the Air Force Academy and became a fighter pilot. "Twenty years ago today, I pinned on my ranks, marched out of the Air Force Academy, and became a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force," he wrote. "Twenty years. Somehow it feels like five. I think that’s the quiet honesty of a life well-lived — the good years don’t drag, they fly."

Shukla made history on June 26, 2025, as part of the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, where he joined three other astronauts. He returned to Earth on July 15 after completing the mission. Reflecting on his career, he expressed deep gratitude for the experiences that shaped him, saying, "I genuinely don’t know how to express how fortunate I feel. Not in a polished, speech-giving kind of way — but in the way that catches you off guard on an ordinary Tuesday."

He also recalled being entrusted with significant responsibilities early in his career, including flying fighter aircraft and taking on leadership roles before fully grasping the weight of those duties.