Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and MoS PMO Jitendra Singh on Friday asserted that India has now established itself as an equal partner in international space missions, standing alongside the world’s leading spacefaring nations.
“India is standing in the row of the world’s top countries. We are an equal partner with other countries on the International Space Mission,” Singh said.
The minister’s remarks came while lauding Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently became the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. Singh highlighted Shukla’s contribution, noting that he conducted groundbreaking life sciences and health-related experiments using indigenously developed kits, benefitting not just India but all of humanity. “Shubhanshu Shukla is the symbol of Vishwabandhu,” he added.
Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu met Shukla at Rashtrapati Bhavan and congratulated him on becoming the first Indian to return from the ISS.
Meanwhile, during his visit to flood-affected areas of Janglote and Ghatti in Kathua district, Singh assessed the situation, distributed relief material, and interacted with affected families. He emphasised the government’s seriousness in dealing with natural disasters in Jammu and Kashmir and underlined the importance of preparedness amid increasing climate-related challenges.
“Rainfall can be forecasted, but cloudbursts are driven by local factors. Keeping that in mind, we can take preventive measures,” Singh said, adding that the National Mission on Himalayan Ecosystem launched by the Department of Science and Technology would play a key role in long-term resilience.
The Kathua district was struck by a cloudburst and flash floods on August 17, causing extensive damage and disruption.
