Wed Mar 19 05:06:12 UTC 2025: ## ISRO Welcomes Astronaut Sunita Williams’ Return to Earth, Seeks Expertise for India’s Space Program
**Bengaluru, March 19, 2025** – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has extended a warm welcome to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams following her safe return to Earth after a nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan expressed India’s desire to leverage Williams’ expertise in furthering India’s own ambitious space exploration goals.
In a message posted on X, ISRO lauded Williams’ achievement, describing her return as a testament to international collaboration in space. Dr. Narayanan, in a separate statement, highlighted India’s aim to become a developed nation under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and emphasized the potential for collaboration with Williams in this endeavor.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh also offered his congratulations, praising Williams’ courage and resilience during her space mission.
Williams’ successful splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico on March 18th concluded a significant chapter in her career and underscores the growing international partnerships in space exploration. ISRO’s statement signals India’s keen interest in leveraging this collaboration to advance its own space program.
First Piper 