The Aryavarth Express:
Cochin, April 1: The mortal remains of 20 Indian nationals were brought back from Kuwait and arrived at Cochin International Airport in Kerala on Wednesday, officials confirmed.
One of the deceased, 37-year-old Santhanaselvam Krishnan from Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district, was killed in a drone strike on a water desalination facility. The remaining 19 individuals died due to separate incidents and natural causes, but the return of their bodies to India was delayed due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
According to government sources, eight Indian nationals have lost their lives in the Gulf region since tensions escalated over the past two months, while one person is still reported missing.
A senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs stated that Indian authorities are coordinating closely with their counterparts in Kuwait to ensure timely repatriation and provide assistance to affected families.
At a recent inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi, Joint Secretary (Gulf) Aseem Mahajan expressed condolences over the deaths and assured continued support. He noted that Indian missions in the region are actively working with local authorities to facilitate the return of mortal remains and assist families during the crisis.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait also conveyed its condolences, stating that it is in constant touch with Kuwaiti officials to extend all necessary help.
Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy reported that the desalination plant attack, attributed to Iranian strikes, caused significant damage to infrastructure and resulted in the death of the Indian worker.
The developments come amid escalating tensions in West Asia, which have impacted civilians and foreign workers, including Indians, across the region.
