Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, June 12, conducted a high-level meeting to review the situation in Kuwait, where a massive fire accounted for the lives of 40 Indian nationals. The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, Principal Secretary to PM Pramod Kumar Mishra, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and other senior officials.
The Prime Minister announced a compensation package of INR 2 lakh (USD 2,394) each for the families of the deceased. Modi also extended condolences to the families, while wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
As per reports, the fire broke out in a building in Kuwait’s Mangaf city at 6 am (local time) on Wednesday.
It has already killed 49 people, while another 50 people have sustained injuries.
The PM also sent Kirti Vardhan Singh to Kuwait to expedite repatriation of mortal remains and medical assistance to those injured, reports said.
Taking to social media, S Jaishankar said he spoke to Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, his Kuwaiti counterpart, who assured him of a proper investigation.
Spoke to Kuwaiti FM Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on the fire tragedy in Kuwait.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 12, 2024
Apprised of the efforts made by Kuwaiti authorities in that regard. Was assured that the incident would be fully investigated and that responsibility will be fixed.
Urged the early repatriation of the…
Meanwhile, the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, has already ordered an investigation and said those found responsible for the blaze would face punishment.
Apart from Indians, the blaze also killed nationals from Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, and Nepal.
