The Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft is on standby at Hindan airbase near Delhi to bring back the bodies of Indian-origin individuals who died in a fire in Kuwait. The Foreign Minister of Kuwait, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, has assured India’s Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, of swift repatriation of the deceased. Al-Yahya also expressed condolences and pledged full support, including medical care and an investigation into the incident.
Kirti Vardhan Singh visited Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital in Kuwait to check on seven injured Indians and assured them of the Indian government’s support. He praised hospital staff for their care. Over 40 Indians lost their lives and more than 50 were injured in the fire, with the injured receiving treatment across five government hospitals in Kuwait.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is in close contact with local authorities to assist those affected. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, upon learning of the incident, chaired a review meeting and announced Rs 2 lakh as ex-gratia relief from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for the families of the deceased. He expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the families and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured, pledging full support from the Indian government.