Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a heartfelt letter to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, expressing the pride of 1.4 billion Indians in her achievements and extending a warm invitation for her to visit India upon her return from space.
PM Modi’s Letter to Sunita Williams
In his letter, dated March 1, 2025, PM Modi acknowledged the challenges and excitement of space exploration. He praised Williams for her dedication, resilience, and passion for science and space travel. He highlighted how her achievements have inspired millions of Indians, especially young girls who aspire to become astronauts and pursue careers in STEM fields.
“You may be thousands of miles away, but you remain close to our hearts. The entire nation is proud of you and prays for your well-being,” Modi wrote in his letter.
The Prime Minister fondly recalled his 2016 meeting with Sunita Williams and her late father, Deepak Pandya, during his visit to the United States. He mentioned that it was an honor to meet a family that has contributed significantly to science and humanity’s exploration of space.
“As you continue to make remarkable strides in space exploration, we eagerly await your return to Earth. After your mission, we are looking forward to seeing you in India. It will be our pleasure to host one of India’s most illustrious daughters,” PM Modi added.
Sunita Williams’ Space Mission
Sunita Williams has been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months as part of NASA’s ongoing space missions. She is currently returning to Earth along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, as they travel back aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. Their spacecraft successfully undocked from the ISS on March 18, 2025, and they are expected to land off the Florida coast in the coming hours.
Williams, a veteran astronaut, has been a key figure in space research and has undertaken multiple spacewalks during her career. She holds the record for the longest spacewalk time by a female astronaut and has spent more than 300 days in space over multiple missions.
India’s Connection with Sunita Williams
Sunita Williams, whose father hailed from Gujarat, India, has always maintained a deep connection with her Indian heritage. Over the years, she has openly expressed her love for India and has visited the country multiple times. She has also participated in space-related discussions with Indian scientists and students, encouraging the next generation of space explorers.
India’s space enthusiasts and scientific community have been following her missions closely, celebrating her accomplishments as a testament to India’s contributions to space science. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has also acknowledged her achievements and expressed interest in collaborating on future projects.
Sunita Williams’ Expected Visit to India
With PM Modi’s invitation, Sunita Williams is likely to visit India after completing her post-mission debriefings and recovery process at NASA. Her visit will be a significant event, with Indian institutions and space agencies eager to honor her contributions.
Sources suggest that Williams may visit Delhi, Gujarat, and Bengaluru, where she could interact with ISRO scientists and students, inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts.
PM Modi’s letter is seen as a reflection of India’s growing role in the field of space exploration and its appreciation for individuals who contribute to humanity’s understanding of space.
