On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a conversation with Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, during which he expressed significant concern regarding the rising tensions in West Asia. Modi reiterated India’s firm condemnation of any actions that threaten Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This dialogue occurred shortly after an Indian citizen was tragically killed in an Iranian strike at Kuwait International Airport, an incident that also resulted in injuries to over 60 individuals.
As per a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders shared their perspectives on the deteriorating security climate in the region. The conversation took place following mutual assaults between Israel and Iran over the weekend, marking a notable escalation in hostilities since a fragile ceasefire was established in April.
The statement highlighted Modi’s deep concern over the increasing tensions, emphasizing India’s condemnation of assaults on Kuwait’s integrity. He called for de-escalation and emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability at the earliest.
Additionally, Modi expressed gratitude to the Amir for his commitment to the safety and welfare of the substantial Indian community residing in Kuwait, as noted in the PMO’s statement.
This interaction represented the first direct communication between the two leaders since the onset of the conflict in West Asia on February 28. Earlier this year, Modi had spoken with Kuwait’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, on March 3 and March 18 regarding the regional situation.
In the preceding week, India had denounced the attack on the airport in Kuwait and called for an end to violence, stressing the need to protect civilian lives and infrastructure. The Ministry of External Affairs had stated, “We have consistently urged that civilian populations and infrastructure must not be targeted. We call upon all parties to halt such attacks.”
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait announced via a post on X that it is in active coordination with Kuwaiti authorities to provide support to the families affected by the incident, including those injured on the previous Wednesday.
The victim was identified as Manzoor Ahmed, a 55-year-old tailor from Madhya Pradesh, marking the tenth Indian death since the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and the United States-Israel coalition on February 28.
Colonel Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, spokesperson for Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence, extended condolences to the bereaved family, while Brigadier General Nasser Bousleeb from the Kuwaiti Interior Ministry reported that the passenger terminal at the airport was targeted by multiple hostile drones.
In response, the Kuwaiti foreign ministry summoned the Charge d’Affaires from the Iranian Embassy to deliver an official protest regarding the attacks.
