PM MODI WELCOMES SUNITA WILLIAMS AND CREW-9 AFTER HISTORIC 286-DAY SPACE MISSION

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE

Article Published on: 19TH MAR 2025 | www.demodemagazine.com

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore, and other Crew-9 members after their SpaceX Dragon capsule safely splashed down off the Florida coast. Their mission, initially planned for eight days, extended to 286 days due to technical issues with their Boeing spacecraft, leaving them stranded at the International Space Station for nine months.

Modi praised their resilience, courage, and unwavering determination, stating, "Their journey has been a true test of the boundless human spirit. Sunita Williams and Crew-9 have shown us the meaning of perseverance." He also lauded Williams, an Indian-origin astronaut, for pushing the limits of human potential and inspiring millions.

On Tuesday, Modi invited Williams, whose father hails from Gujarat, to visit India, calling her "one of India’s illustrious daughters." Born in Ohio in 1965, Williams is a former U.S. Navy captain and a veteran astronaut with an inspiring legacy.