You remain close to our hearts, says Narendra Modi in his letter to Sunita Williams as she heads home

Meanwhile, Indian PM Narendra Modi wrote a letter to Williams where he said he is waiting to see Sunita Williams visiting India in future after returning home.

Modi wrote in the letter: "1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance."

"Even though you are thousands of miles away, you continue to remain close to our hearts," he wrote in his emotional letter addressed to the Indian-origin astronaut.

He said people in India are praying for her health and the success of the 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," he said.

The letter was shared on X by Union Minister Jitendra Singh.

Sharing the letter, Singh wrote: " 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."

Williams Departs From ISS

Sharing details of the departure journey of the astronauts, NASA posted on X: "They're on their way! #Crew9 undocked from the @Space_Station at 1:05am ET (0505 UTC). Reentry and splashdown coverage begins on X, YouTube, and NASA+ at 4:45pm ET (2145 UTC) this evening."

They are returning in a Space X Dragon aircraft.

The two astronauts commenced their journey to Earth at 10:35 am IST.

The trip is expected to be completed in 17 hours.

Williams and Wilmore have been stuck in the Space Station since June last year after the Boeing Starliner spacecraft they were testing on its maiden crewed voyage suffered propulsion issues.

It was deemed unfit for flying them back to Earth.