New Delhi [India]: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his official visit to Kuwait, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acknowledged the tragic Mangaf fire incident in June, which claimed the lives of 45 Indian nationals, and emphasized steps taken to ensure worker safety in the Gulf country.
Arun Kumar Chatterjee, MEA Secretary (Consular, Passport, and Visa & Overseas Indian Affairs), highlighted measures implemented by Indian embassies to inspect labour camps and improve living conditions for Indian workers abroad.
“Regarding the Mangaf fire incident, most of our embassies visit labour camps to assess the living conditions of workers and ensure their safety. The Mangaf incident was an unfortunate tragedy that occurred on June 12, resulting in significant loss of Indian lives,” Chatterjee stated during a press briefing on Friday.
He added that while the investigation report on the incident is still awaited, important lessons have been learned to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Post-Tragedy Review and Compensation
Chatterjee revealed that Prime Minister Modi personally chaired a review meeting following the fire, underscoring the Indian government’s commitment to addressing such incidents. He also noted that both the governments of India and Kuwait have announced compensation for the victims’ families.
“The PM himself chaired a review meeting, and our MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh personally visited Kuwait to oversee relief efforts. Compensation packages have been announced by both the Government of Kuwait and the Government of India,” he said.
Chatterjee added that Singh had visited hospitals in Kuwait on June 13, where he interacted with Indian nationals undergoing treatment.
Ongoing Bilateral Discussions
In addition to addressing the Mangaf fire, Chatterjee mentioned ongoing negotiations with Kuwait regarding local currency trade. While discussions are progressing, no conclusive agreement has been reached yet.
Prime Minister Modi’s Upcoming Visit
PM Modi is set to visit Kuwait on December 21-22, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. During his visit, he is expected to meet with Kuwait’s leadership, including Kuwait Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and engage with the vibrant Indian community in the country.
This visit underscores the deep-rooted ties between India and Kuwait and highlights the importance of the Indian diaspora, which plays a significant role in Kuwait’s economy.
Background on the Mangaf Fire
The devastating fire that occurred at a labour accommodation in Mangaf on June 12 led to the loss of 45 Indian lives, with victims hailing from multiple states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, among others.
The tragedy has prompted both nations to enhance measures for the safety and welfare of workers, reflecting the shared commitment to their well-being.