'1.4B Indians proud of you': Modi writes to Sunita Williams
What's the story
A March 1 letter by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sunita Williams, conveying his praise for the Indian-American astronaut has been shared by Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
Williams, a veteran of two previous missions and record-holder for the most spacewalks by a woman, had been posted at the International Space Station (ISS) since June 5 last year.
She started her return journey to Earth from the ISS on Tuesday.
Official communication
PM Modi's letter to Williams shared by Union Minister
In his letter, the PM said he had asked about her well-being during his meetings with US Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
PM Modi also recalled a recent meeting with former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino in Delhi, when Williams's name came up for discussion.
"We discussed how proud we are of you and your work. Following this interaction, I could not stop myself from writing to you," he said.
Personal connection
PM Modi recalls meeting with former NASA astronaut
PM Modi further wrote that "1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Even though you are thousands of miles away, you continue to remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your good health and success in your mission."
He also said he was looking forward to meeting Williams.
"After your return, we are looking forward to seeing you in India," he said.
Twitter Post
Read the letter here
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
Emotional touch
Spacecraft is also carrying other NASA Crew-9 astronauts
Alongside Williams, the spacecraft is carrying other NASA Crew-9 astronauts, namely Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Russia's Aleksandr Gorbunov.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, carrying Williams successfully undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) at 10:35am IST on March 18.
The undocking of Dragon has initiated their 17-hour return journey to Earth. The capsule detached from the ISS Harmony module's forward port and maneuvered away with controlled thruster firings.