Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned a heartfelt letter to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, extending an invitation for her to visit India as she and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore finally departed the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX capsule on Tuesday after being in orbit for nine months.
In the letter, shared by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on X, Modi expressed the nation’s pride and prayers for Williams’ safe return. “Even though you are thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your good health and the success of your mission,” the Prime Minister wrote.
Modi also fondly recalled his meeting with Williams and her late father, Deepak Pandya, during his 2016 visit to the United States. “Ms. Bonnie Pandya must be eagerly awaiting your return, and I am sure Late Deepakbhai’s blessings are with you. After your return, we look forward to welcoming you to India. It will be an honour for the nation to host one of its most illustrious daughters,” he added.
Williams and Wilmore, along with two other crew members, undocked from the ISS at 1:05 a.m. New York time on Tuesday. Their Dragon capsule is expected to travel through space, re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, and splash down off the Florida coast around 6 p.m. local time.
In his letter, Modi highlighted how 1.4 billion Indians celebrate Williams’ perseverance and contributions to space exploration. He mentioned that during his meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, he had inquired about her well-being, reflecting India’s deep admiration for her achievements.
Sunita Williams, whose father Deepak Pandya was born in Jhulasan, a small village in Gujarat, before moving to the United States, has always maintained a strong connection to her Indian roots. Though she grew up in America, her Indian heritage has been a significant part of her identity, influencing her values and experiences.
Williams has often spoken warmly about her cultural ties to India. During one of her space missions, she carried a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, an idol of Lord Ganesha, and sacred Ganga Jal—a touching tribute to her heritage.