PM Narendra Modi's heartfelt letter to NASA's Sunita Williams: ‘Looking forward to seeing you in India’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a heartfelt letter to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, inviting her to visit India as two astronauts stuck in orbit for nine months finally departed the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX capsule on Tuesday, kicking off their long-awaited voyage home.

“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,” Narendra Modi wrote in the letter which was shared by Union minister Jitendra Singh on X. Follow Sunita Williams return LIVE updates

“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. 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.” the Indian prime minister also wrote.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, seated inside a Dragon capsule with two other crew members, undocked from the ISS at 1:05am New York time on Tuesday.

The capsule is expected to travel through space, plunge through the atmosphere and ultimately fall to Earth under parachutes before splashing down off the Florida coast around 6 p.m. local time.

Track latest updates on Sunita Williams' journey here.

In his letter, Modi expressed immense pride in Sunita Williams' achievements and highlighted how 1.4 billion Indians celebrate her perseverance and contributions to space exploration.

The Prime Minister mentioned that during his meetings with US President Donald Trump and ex-president Joe Biden, he inquired about her well-being, underscoring India's admiration for her work. He also recalled meeting her family during his 2016 visit to the US.

Sunita Williams' India connection

Sunita Williams’s father, Deepak Pandya, was born in Jhulasan, a small village in Gujarat, before moving to the United States. Though she grew up in America, India has always been a part of her identity, woven into stories, traditions, and even personal experiences.

Sunita Williams has spoken warmly about her roots and how her father’s Indian heritage shaped her perspective. On one of her space missions, she carried a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, an idol of Lord Ganesha, and sacred Ganga Jal—a heartfelt tribute to her cultural ties.

Her visits to India have been nothing short of emotional homecomings. During a trip to Gujarat, she was welcomed like family, with villagers showering her with love and pride. She has often expressed admiration for Indian festivals, food, and spirituality, embracing her dual heritage with pride.