India, Jan. 25 -- Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla was on Sunday named for the Ashok Chakra, the country's highest peacetime gallantry award.

Shukla created history last year by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS). He is also only the second Indian to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharma.

He reached the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission, marking a landmark moment for India's growing presence in space exploration.

Congratulating him, the Ministry of Defence wrote on X: "We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on being awarded the #AshokaChakra, the nation's highest peacetime #gallantryaward. This prestigious honour stands as a testamen...