Union Minister Jitendra Singh posted the letter on social media site X, sharing that the PM reaffirmed “India’s deep bond with its illustrious daughter “while wishing her “strength and a safe return”.

Conveying the greeting from the people of India, Modi also recalled how he inquired about Williams’ well-being when he met United States President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden during his visits to the country.

“1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements,” Modi said, commending Williams for showcasing “inspirational fortitude and perseverance”.

Singh also added that the letter to Williams was sent to her through NASA astronaut Mike Massimino, whom PM Modi had met earlier.

Williams was “touched by the gesture” and “expressed her gratitude to PM Modi and India”, Singh added.

Modi wrote that he met noted NASA astronaut Mike Massimino on March 1, and the conversation veered towards Williams. “We discussed how proud we are of you and your work. Following this interaction, I could not stop myself from writing to you,” he said, in the letter dated March 1, 2025.

According to a release from the Prime Minister’s Office from the same date, the PM had met Massimino along with other dignitaries at the NXT Conclave in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. On X, PM Modi had posted about his meeting with Massimino, calling him a “distinguished astronaut”.

Modi also recalled in the letter a meeting with Williams from 2016, when he met the astronaut’s late father Deepak Pandya as well, while on a visit to the US. He added that Williams’ mother Bonnie Pandya “must be keenly waiting” for her return.

The PM concluded his letter by sending his best wishes to Williams and her fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore for a safe return to earth.

The extended stay of the astronauts aboard the ISS was the result of critical technical failures on the Starliner, leaving them without a way home until Nasa arranged their return aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.-Agencies