Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told astronaut Sunita Williams Friday she has inspired women of India with her space travel.
"You are a role model for the Indian children and a source of inspiration for the women in this country," Singh told the Indian-American astronaut Friday in a telephone conversation.
Williams -- who broke the record for the longest stay by a woman in space while carrying out research on the International Space Station -- was in Ahmedabad, India, visiting relatives, the Times of India said.
Singh congratulated Williams on her "unique achievement and contribution to the human quest for a better understanding of our universe."
Williams is scheduled to attend the 58th International Astronautical Congress at Hyderabad next week.
Copyright 2007 by United Press International
