India sees space as future of tomorrow’s economy: Rajnath

Highlighting India’s growing presence in the space sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said, “The country does not see space merely as a field of research, but as the future of tomorrow’s economy, security, energy and humanity.”

Felicitating the four Gaganyaan astronauts — Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain Punjab Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan and Group Captain Angad Pratap — Singh said:

“We are steadily advancing beyond the earth’s surface into new frontiers of space. We have already marked our presence from the moon to mars, and today, the nation stands fully prepared for missions like Gaganyaan.”

He described the four Gaganyatris as “gems of the country and pioneers of national aspirations”. Singh noted that the world has entered an era where space is no longer just a symbol of military strength or technical prowess, but a new stage in the collective journey of human civilisation.

Referring to India’s lunar mission, the minister said it had proven that “even with limited resources, unlimited willpower can turn the most challenging goals into remarkable accomplishments”.

Commending Gp Capt Shukla for his successful human space flight mission, Singh said: “Completing two-and-a-half years of training in just two-and-a-half months, Shukla demonstrated not only personal dedication, but also the perseverance of the Indian people. His extraordinary feat is not just a technological achievement — it is a message of faith and determination. It is not only India’s pride, but proof of humanity’s progress.”

Singh hailed Shukla as a symbol of civil-military fusion, noting that while he wore the uniform of the Indian Air Force, his mission was undertaken on behalf of all humanity. “His contribution to the civil sector, through this historic mission, will forever be recorded in history,” the Defence Minister added.

India