Shux didn't just orbit Earth. He elevated India's orbit in the world
Shubhanshu Shukla at the the International Space Station as part of Axiom Space's commercial mission.
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It's not just about putting an Indian in orbit. It's about embedding India in the architecture of future space collaboration and exploration, and projecting a confident, tech-savvy India to the world.This mission was no solitary endeavour. It was made possible through collaboration with private space giant SpaceX, American company Axiom Space, and international space agencies like Nasa, and the European Space Agency. Shukla trained across Russia and the US, embodying the spirit of global integration.Through his presence on the International Space Station, conducting seven Indian-designed experiments, India wasn't just participating - it was co-piloting the scientific conversation. This is where the soft power element becomes unmistakable. Just as the US once won hearts during the Apollo era and China now wields its space program as geopolitical leverage, India, too, is realising that its space story can inspire, lead, and influence.Shukla's mission acted as a warm introduction for Gaganyaan, India's upcoming indigenous human spaceflight program. But it also served as a calling card for international partners.From France to Japan, countries are eyeing partnerships in sustainable space tech, microgravity research, and astronaut training. India, with its proven Mars and Moon missions and now human spaceflight readiness, becomes an attractive partner, not just a proud nation, but a dependable one.The timing is impeccable. At a moment when space is being redefined - from national prestige to shared infrastructure and commercial opportunity - India's message is clear: we are here, and we can lead.And this leadership is not blustery or bombastic. It is built on cooperation, data sharing, and contributions to a global commons.That's diplomacy at its most refined.
People watch the live screening of the Dragon
Axiom Space CEO Tejpaul Bhatia met astronauts Shubhanshu Shukla, Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary during a traditional Indian ceremony in Texas. Ask ChatGPT. (Photo: Tejpaul Bhatia/X)
Imagine the appeal for smaller nations: a rising power that speaks their language, shares their development goals, and is willing to train, collaborate, and co-develop. For the Global South, India becomes not a rival but a roadmap. That's influence.advertisementThe symbolism of Shukla's journey - the tricolour patch on his suit, the Isro-designed experiments floating in microgravity, the cultural artefacts from India shared with crewmates is potent. The Gajar ka halwa feast was just a bonus.But it's the operational depth behind that symbolism that gives it enduring value.India has always dreamed big, but this time, it is executing with precision. In space, it is no longer chasing. It is building. And in doing so, it is crafting a compelling narrative that the world is beginning to take seriously - not just of a nation reaching for the stars, but one inviting others along for the journey.
Shubhanshu Shukla greets as he reaches Earth. (Photo: Axiom Space/X)
Shux didn't just orbit the Earth. He elevated India's orbit in the world.(Sibu Tripathi heads the Science team at India Today Digital. He is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism award.)- Ends(Views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author)Tune InTrending Reel
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