On the eve of Republic Day 2026, India awarded its highest peacetime military honours. The standout among these was the Ashok Chakra, conferred on Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. For decades, this decoration recognised courage on land, sea, and air. This year, it also celebrated a historic achievement in space. Alongside Shukla, other servicemen received the Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, and other gallantry medals. This article explains who won, what the awards mean, and why the choices matter.
What the Ashok Chakra Represents
The Ashok Chakra is India’s top peacetime gallantry honour. It recognises the highest order of bravery and selfless service not in direct combat. It rewards actions that involve extreme risk and extraordinary commitment. Traditionally, most recipients showed frontline courage on Earth. The 2026 update shows that courage can also include pushing national boundaries beyond the planet.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic Award
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force received the Ashok Chakra. He became the first Indian astronaut to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS). He reached the space station aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The mission launched from the United States. The journey marked a new milestone in India’s participation in human spaceflight.
Shukla’s selection reflects two key facts. First, he has extensive military flying experience. He logged over 2,000 hours in a range of fighter jets and transport aircraft. Second, his role in space missions broadened how India views national service. For the first time, space exploration stands beside traditional acts of valour.
Shukla is only the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma. Sharma flew decades earlier. Both earned the Ashok Chakra for their space achievements. The link across generations shows continuity in how India rewards exceptional service.
Kirti Chakra and Other Space-Linked Honours
Another decorated astronaut for 2026 is Group Captain PB Nair, one of the four designated crew members for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight project. He received the Kirti Chakra. The award recognises courage and dedication short of the Ashok Chakra. His honour highlights the value of long-term preparation and risk management in complex missions that involve human lives.
2026 Gallantry Awards: A Broader Look
On Republic Day 2026, a total of 70 armed personnel received gallantry awards. Most awards honoured acts of bravery, leadership under pressure, or service that directly contributed to national security. Six of the awards were given posthumously, underlining sacrifice as part of service.
Key Award Categories
- Ashok Chakra: Highest peacetime military honour.
- Kirti Chakra: Second-highest peacetime gallantry medal.
- Shaurya Chakra: Recognises courage and selfless action in non-combat situations.
- Sena Medal (Gallantry) and Bar: Awarded for distinguished acts of bravery.
Leading Awardees in 2026
Ashok Chakra
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
Kirti Chakra
- Major Arshdeep Singh
- Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba
- Group Captain PB Nair
Shaurya Chakra
- Lt Colonel Ghatage Aditya Shrikumar
- Major Anshul Baltoo
- Major Shivkant Yadav
- Major Vivek
- Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh
- Captain Yogender Singh Thakur
- Subedar P H Moses
- L/Dfr Baldev Chand (Posthumous)
- Rifleman Manglem Sang Vaiphei
- Rifleman Dhurba Jyoti Dutta
- Lt Commander Dilna K (Navy)
- Lt Commander Roopa A (Navy)
- Assistant Commandant Vipin Wilson (MHA)
This list reflects the range of bravery recognised by the nation. It includes senior officers, mid-level commanders, junior leaders, and those who paid the ultimate price.
Why These Awards Matter
First, they highlight courage in diverse environments. Traditionally, medals recognise battlefield or counter-insurgency bravery. The 2026 list broadens that frame to include achievements in space and scientific exploration. Second, they motivate the armed forces and citizens by showing that extraordinary effort in any arena can define national service.
For India, these awards also underline the growing overlap between defence and scientific advancement. Space exploration now stands beside land, sea, and air as a field requiring courage, discipline, and strategic skill. Honouring astronauts with gallantry medals reflects this shift.
What the Awards Communicate
Awards are symbols. They reflect what a nation values most. In 2026, India reaffirmed its respect for bravery, dedication, and unrelenting service. It also recognised that the frontier of national duty is expanding. Courage in space now joins courage on Earth. By connecting these fields, the awards signal a future in which exploration and defence go hand in hand.
Conclusion
The Republic Day gallantry awards of 2026 offered more than a list of names. They revealed a narrative of India’s evolving priorities. They honoured traditional acts of bravery while embracing a new era of aerospace achievement. Most importantly, they reminded citizens that courage wears many faces — from the battlefield to the skies above Earth. These medals not only celebrate individuals. They celebrate India’s collective aspiration to reach higher, serve better, and redefine what it means to be brave.
