India, May 8 -- The Indian Air Force (IAF) has recalled Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, one of the four astronauts selected for India's upcoming Gaganyaan mission, as tensions with Pakistan rise following Operation Sindoor. Krishnan is a decorated test pilot with over 2,900 flying hours on various aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29.

Krishnan, who was attending the Global Space Exploration Conference in New Delhi, confirmed his sudden departure, stating, "I have been called back by the IAF. You know, because of the current situation," in a brief interaction with The Print.

The move comes in the aftermath of India's precision airstrikes on terror infrastructure across the Line of Control, carried out in response to the April 22 ter...