'You Remain Close to Our Hearts': PM Narendra Modi Writes to Indian-Origin NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, March 18, wrote a letter to stranded Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams wishing her safe landing on earth after spending more than nine months on International Space Station (ISS) as NASA scientists Williams and her collogue Butch Wilmore are soon to back on Earth.

PM Modi said that your a country's daughter and you always remain close to our hearts despite thousands of miles away. “Even though you are thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts,” wrote Prime Minister in a letter shared by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on X.

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 Modi’s… pic.twitter.com/MpsEyxAOU9

— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) March 18, 2025

The replacement crew arrived on the ISS on Saturday night (March 15), Wilmore and Williams and two other astronauts left from space station on Tuesday morning and on 17-hour journey to Earth. 

“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," wrote PM Modi in a letter dated March 1, 2025.

Also Read | Space X capsule carrying astronauts Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore undocks from Space Station; NASA begins Earth re-entry coverage.

“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. 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," PM wrote.

“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," he added.

Williams, along with her crew members, have departed from ISS. There are four crew members, including Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The will expected to land on Earth on Tuesday, March 18 at 5.57 PM EDT (21:57 GMP) after living over 9 months in space. The crew will and on off the coast of Florida. After landing, Williams and the crew will be transported to Nasa’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.