1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements: PM Modi's letter to Sunita Williams

Sunita Williams with PM Modi (Image: MEA India)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to the Indian-origin NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams, who on Tuesday began her return journey to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS).

In a post on X, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday, shared the letter dated March 1, to Williams, where he enquired about her health and also invited her to visit India.

Sunita Williams was stranded on the space station since June 2024.

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.Even though you are thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts, says PM Sh Narendra Modis pic.twitter.com/MpsEyxAOU9
Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) March 18, 2025

A few days ago, PM Modi met Massimino at an event and requested that this letter from him and the people of India must reach her. "Wishing her strength and a safe return, the PM reaffirmed India’s deep bond with its illustrious daughter," wrote Union Minister Jitendra Singh.

Sunita, in turn, touched by the gesture, expressed her gratitude to PM Modi and India.

In the letter, PM Modi recalled that at a meeting with former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino in Delhi this month, her name had come up in their conversation.

"We discussed how proud we are of you and your work. Following this interaction, I could not stop myself from writing to you," PM Modi said.

"1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance," he wrote.