Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh on Tuesday shared a heartfelt letter written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams ahead of her return from the International Space Station (ISS). Williams, who has spent nine months in space, is currently on her way back to Earth. "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," Singh wrote in a tweet. He added that the letter was sent to Williams through astronaut Mike Massimino.

“Even though you are thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts,” PM Modi wrote in the letter, as shared by Singh. "The people of India are praying for your good health and success in your mission. 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."
Singh further revealed that PM Modi had personally handed the letter to Massimino at an event, requesting that it be delivered to Williams. "Wishing her strength and a safe return, the PM reaffirmed India’s deep bond with its illustrious daughter. Sunita, in turn, touched by the gesture, expressed her gratitude to PM Modi and India," Singh wrote.

Undocking Successful, Crew 9 Begins 17-Hr Descent To Earth

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams undocked from the ISS early Tuesday morning in a SpaceX capsule, beginning their long-awaited return to Earth. The departure comes nine months after their initial Boeing Starliner craft faced issues, extending what was originally planned as a short test mission.
Wilmore and Williams, both veteran astronauts and retired US Navy test pilots, are travelling alongside two other astronauts in the Crew Dragon spacecraft. The crew undocked from the ISS at 1:05 a.m. ET (0505 GMT) and are now on a 17-hour journey home.
"Crew-9 is going home," said commander Nick Hague from inside the capsule as it slowly backed away from the station. Describing the moment on a NASA live webcast, an official referred to it as "the trip downhill."
Hague also reflected on their mission, saying it was a privilege to "call the station home" as part of an international effort for the "benefit of humanity."
The four-person Crew-9 team is scheduled to splash down off Florida’s coast later on Tuesday at 5:57 p.m. ET.
(With inputs from Reuters)