As NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore prepare to return to Earth after nearly nine months on the International Space Station (ISS), Union Minister Jitendra Singh revealed on Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent a personal letter to Williams on 1 March, expressing India’s admiration and concern for her.
Jitendra Singh stated, “The heartfelt letter was sent to Sunita through astronaut Mike Massimino, reflecting the pride of 1.4 billion Indians. 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. Sunita, in turn, touched by the gesture, expressed her gratitude to PM Modi and India.”
In his message, PM Modi emphasized that India has always been proud of her achievements and eagerly awaits her safe return.
PM Modi wrote, “I convey to you greetings from the people of India. At a programme today, I met the noted astronaut, Mr. Mike Massimino. During the course of our conversation, your name came up and we discussed how proud we are of you and your work. Following this interaction, I could not stop myself from writing to you.”
The Prime Minister also recalled inquiring about her well-being during meetings with current US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden.
“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,” PM Modi noted.
The Prime Minister further asserted, “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.”
The Prime Minister also acknowledged Williams’ family, mentioning her mother, Bonnie Pandya, and fondly recalling his 2016 meeting with her late father, Deepak Pandya.
PM Modi expressed hope that she would visit India upon her return.
“Ms Bonnie Pandya must be keenly awaiting your return and I am sure that Late Deepakbhai’s blessings are with you as well. I fondly remember meeting him along with you during my visit to the United States in 2016,” the Prime Minister remarked.
PM Modi further added, “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 Michael Williams. Best wishes to you and Barry Wilmore for a safe return.”
NASA’s Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, along with SpaceX Crew-9 astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, have undocked from the ISS and are set to splash down on Earth on Tuesday evening.
Williams and Wilmore initially arrived at the ISS on 5 June 2024, aboard a Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
However, technical issues forced them to remain in space longer than expected.
In September 2024, NASA returned the Starliner to Earth without a crew to free up the docking port for other missions.
Now, after nearly nine months, they are making their return journey aboard a SpaceX capsule.
As NASA livestreamed the departure, Hague, Williams, Wilmore, and Gorbunov were seen packing up and sealing the hatches of Crew-9’s spacecraft before leaving the ISS.
Reflecting on his mission, Hague said, “It’s been a privilege to call the Space Station home, to play my part in its 25-year legacy of doing research for humanity, and to work with colleagues, now friends, from around the globe. My spaceflight career, like most, is full of the unexpected.”
The delayed return of Williams and Wilmore has sparked political debate in the US, with President Trump accusing the Biden administration of failing to bring them back sooner.
He even urged Elon Musk to expedite the rescue, a move that gained significant attention.
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