New Delhi, Mar. 19: Hours after NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams returned to Earth after being stuck in space for over nine months, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the duo, calling their stay a test of grit, courage and the boundless human spirit.

PM Modi posted on X, “Welcome back, #Crew9! The Earth missed you. Theirs has been a test of grit, courage and the boundless human spirit. Sunita Williams and the #Crew9 astronauts have once again shown us what perseverance truly means. Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions.”

The Prime Minister said that space exploration is about pushing the limits of human potential, daring to dream, and having the courage to turn those dreams into reality.

“Sunita Williams, a trailblazer and an icon, has exemplified this spirit throughout her career,” he said in his X post.

Welcoming back the two veteran NASA astronauts, PM Narendra Modi said, “We are incredibly proud of all those who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. They have demonstrated what happens when precision meets passion and technology meets tenacity.”

Indian President Droupadi Murmu also congratulated NASA astronaut Sunita Williams for her safe return to Earth after being stuck on the ISS for nine months.

“Congratulations to the entire team behind the safe return of NASA’s Crew 9 mission on Earth! India’s daughter Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts have inspired everyone with their perseverance, dedication and never-say-die spirit. Their historic journey is a tale of determination, teamwork and extraordinary courage. I salute their unwavering resolve and wish them excellent health!” the President posted on X.-Agencies