PM Modi’s Heart Touching Letter to NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams: “Eagerly Awaiting Your Visit to India”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a warm letter to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, inviting her to visit India after her mission on the International Space Station. This gesture coincided with the departure of two astronauts from the ISS on Tuesday, as their nine-month journey came to an end with a SpaceX capsule launch.
In his letter, Modi emphasized that despite the distance, Williams remains close to the hearts of Indians. He noted that the people of India are praying for her health and success. Modi also recalled fond memories, mentioning that Ms. Bonnie Pandya is surely awaiting her return and reminiscing about his 2016 visit to the United States when he met her and the late Deepakbhai. He expressed genuine excitement about the prospect of welcoming one of India’s most celebrated daughters back to the country.
Williams, along with astronaut Butch Wilmore and two other crew members, undocked from the ISS at 1:05 a.m. New York time. The Dragon capsule they occupied is set to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and will descend under parachutes, with a splashdown expected off the Florida coast around 6 p.m. local time.
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
Modi expressed immense pride in Williams’ accomplishments, highlighting how her achievements in space exploration are celebrated by all 1.4 billion Indians. He even mentioned that during discussions with both US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, he made sure to ask about her well-being, underlining India’s admiration for her contributions.
Sunita Williams’ Connection With India
Despite growing up in the United States, Sunita Williams has always maintained a strong bond with her Indian heritage. Her father, Deepak Pandya, was born in the small village of Jhulasan in Gujarat, which has kept the connection alive through family traditions and stories.
Williams has frequently spoken about the influence of her Indian roots. On one of her space missions, she carried a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, an idol of Lord Ganesha, and sacred Ganga water—a heartfelt tribute to her cultural background. Her visits to India have always been marked by warm receptions, with locals greeting her like family. She cherishes the Indian festivals, food, and spirituality, proudly embracing her dual heritage.