On the directions of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh arrived in Kuwait on 13 June. His visit aims to coordinate with the Kuwaiti government for the early repatriation of the deceased and ensure the well-being of those injured in the tragic fire incident at a labor housing facility in Mangaf on 12 June.
Out of the 176 Indian workers in the facility, 45 have died, 33 are in various hospitals, and the rest are reportedly safe.
Hospital Visits
Immediately upon his arrival, MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh visited Adan, Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Jaber, Farwaniya, and Jahra hospitals, where injured Indians are being treated. He interacted with all the injured workers.
According to hospital authorities, all patients are reportedly safe and will be discharged progressively depending on their medical conditions.
Meetings with Kuwaiti Officials
MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh met with First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense and Interior, H.E. Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah. Sheikh Fahad conveyed condolences on behalf of HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and assured full support and assistance for the early repatriation of the deceased’s mortal remains and proper medical care for the injured.
MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh also called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, and the Health Minister, H.E. Dr. Ahmad Abdelwahab Ahmad Al-Awadi. Both officials assured the full support of the Kuwaiti government in addressing the incident’s aftermath.
Repatriation Arrangements
In order to ensure the immediate repatriation of the deceased, the Government of India is arranging the transportation of the mortal remains of 45 Indian workers by a special Indian Airforce flight on the evening of 13 June. The flight is expected to reach Kochi in the morning of 14 June and will then proceed to Delhi.
The deceased are from various Indian states, including Kerala (23), Tamil Nadu (7), Andhra Pradesh (3), Uttar Pradesh (3), Odisha (2), and one each from Bihar, Punjab, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Haryana. The mortal remains will be handed over to representatives of the concerned state governments in Kochi and Delhi.
Embassy Assistance
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has been in constant touch with local authorities, ensuring all necessary assistance to those injured and those who have been safely evacuated from the accident site.
The Embassy has been operating a dedicated 24/7 helpline (+965-65505246) for family members of the deceased and the injured, providing regular updates through the helpline.