On January 26, 2026, India celebrated its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. The highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.
What is Ashoka Chakra Award?
Ashoka Chakra Award is India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, awarded for acts of valor, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield (i.e., not during active combat with the enemy). It is the peacetime equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra, which is awarded for wartime gallantry.
Who is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shubhanshu Shukla is a distinguished fighter pilot and astronaut. He recently made history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) during the Axiom-4 mission in 2025.
- Fighter Pilot Career: He has over 2,000 hours of flight experience, flying advanced aircraft like the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and Jaguar.
- Space Odyssey: His 18-day mission to space came 41 years after Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space (1984).
- Why the Ashoka Chakra? The award recognizes his “conspicuous bravery” and “exemplary courage” while piloting the SpaceX Dragon “Grace” and conducting complex scientific experiments in the hostile environment of space.
Also Read: Padma Awards 2026 Announced
Why Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Honoured with Ashoka Chakra?
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was awarded the Ashoka Chakra (India’s highest peacetime gallantry award) for his “conspicuous bravery” and “exemplary courage” during the historic Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025.
The #IndianAirForce congratulates Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla on being awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 25, 2026
As India’s second astronaut, his achievement reflects exceptional operational excellence, mission readiness, rigorous discipline and highest… pic.twitter.com/gwxJ7mhVYp
Key Reasons for the Award:
- Piloting a High-Risk Mission: As the Mission Pilot, he safely maneuvered the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft “Grace” during complex orbital operations. Space travel involves life-threatening risks where even a minor error can lead to disaster.
- Scientific Excellence in Hostile Conditions: He spent 18 days in the harsh environment of space, enduring extreme physical stress and radiation. He successfully conducted 60 complex experiments including 7 major Indian studies on muscle loss, space anemia, and crop growth which are critical for India’s future Gaganyaan mission.
- Historic Achievement: He became the first Indian ever to set foot on the ISS and the second Indian in space (after Rakesh Sharma in 1984), significantly boosting India’s status in global space exploration.
- Mental Fortitude: The citation highlighted his “unflinching courage” and “mental fortitude” in managing high-pressure situations and maintaining mission readiness in microgravity.
2026 Gallantry Award Winners
President Droupadi Murmu approved a total of 70 gallantry awards for armed forces personnel. Below are the top winners:
| Award Name | Recipient(s) |
| Ashoka Chakra | Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla |
| Kirti Chakra | Major Arshdeep Singh, Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba, Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair |
| Shaurya Chakra | Lt. Col. Ghatage Aditya Shrikumar, Major Anshul Baltoo, Lt. Cdr. Dilna K, Lt. Cdr. Roopa A, and others. |
| Vayu Sena Medal | Wing Commander Shobhit Vyas, Junior Warrant Officer Kirpal Singh Salaria |
Note: While the Ashoka Chakra and Kirti Chakra are presented during the parade at Kartavya Path, other awards like the Shaurya Chakra are usually conferred at a separate ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
