Conveying the concern of Indians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams (also known as Suni Williams) about how the nation takes great pride in her achievements. On Tuesday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh shared the letter written by Modi to Williams earlier this month.
Stuck in space for nine months, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore embarked on their return journey to earth on Tuesday aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Prime Minister Modi has recently met American astronaut Mike Massimino and he requested the latter to hand over his letter to Williams.
As the whole world waits, with abated breath, for the safe return of Sunita Williams, this is how PM Sh @narendramodi expressed his concern for this daughter of India.
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) March 18, 2025
“Even though you are thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts,” says PM Sh Narendra Modi’s… pic.twitter.com/MpsEyxAOU9
Addressing Williams as India’s daughter, Modi wrote, “When I met President Trump or President Biden during my visits to the United States, I inquired about your well-being. 1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance.”
The @SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying four #Crew9 members undocked from the station at 1:05am ET today and is headed for a splashdown off the coast of Florida in the Gulf of America at 5:57pm. More... https://t.co/eISgbf1ngL pic.twitter.com/kHSzIlrZhP
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) March 18, 2025
Modi said the people of India are praying for her good health and success. “Even though you are thousands of miles away, you continue to remain close to our hearts,” Modi said in the letter. Remembering his interaction with Williams and her family in 2016, Modi said her mother, Bonnie Pandya, must be eagerly waiting for her return.
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“After your return, we are looking forward to seeing you in India. It will be a pleasure for India to host one of its most illustrious daughters. I send my warm regards to Mr. Michael Williams. Best wishes to you and Mr. Barry Wilmore for a safe return,” the prime minister wrote.
As per NASA, Crew-9 began their return journey in the early hours of Tuesday and it is expected to splashdown off the Florida coast by early evening, if weather conditions are favourable.
