New Delhi, June 26 -- The French Embassy in India on Wednesday congratulated the country on a historic achievement, as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla embarked on a journey to the International Space Station as part of Axiom Mission 4.

Group Captain Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer, is part of the international crew aboard Axiom Mission 4, launched earlier in the day. His journey marks a historic milestone for India, as he is now the second Indian to go to space.

The embassy highlighted the collaboration between France and India on the Gaganyaan program, India's first human spaceflight mission.

"Congratulations, India, as Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian to visit @ISS_Research, piloting the historic Axiom Mission 4...