With NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore on their way back to Earth after about nine months of stay at the International Space Station (ISS), Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a warm letter to one of India's most famous astronauts, wishing her a safe return.
The 1 March 2025 letter was posted on social media by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State in the PMO, who pointed out the Prime Minister's concern for Sunita Williams by saying, "As the whole world awaits your safe return eagerly, this is how PM Modi conveyed his concern for this daughter of India."
PM Modi stated in his letter, "Although you are thousands of miles away, you are always near our hearts. People in India are wishing for your good health and for the success of your mission." He also added that in his previous visits to America and meetings with different American Presidents, he had asked about Sunita Williams' health.
The Prime Minister also recollected his encounter with the astronaut in 2016 during his visit to the United States and invited Sunita Williams to visit India after completing her space mission. "Upon your return, we look forward eagerly to inviting you to India. It will be a matter of great pride for the nation to have one of its most renowned daughters as our guest," he wrote.
PM Modi also said, "1.4 billion Indians have always been hugely proud of your achievements. The recent developments have once again proved your inspiring resilience and determination."
Dr. Jitendra Singh also said that PM Modi had recently met former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino and asked him to convey this message of the Prime Minister as well as the people of India to Sunita Williams.
In return, Sunita Williams was deeply moved by the gesture and extended her heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India, Dr. Singh reported.
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