Kuwait fire: Min S Jaishankar expresses shock, Indian embassy opens helpline | Fire in Kuwait

New Delhi: Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar expressed deep shock over the tragic loss of over 40 lives in a fire in Kuwait on Wednesday. According to sources, at least 10 Indians including 5 Malayalis were killed in the fire.

“Deeply shocked by the news of the fire in Kuwait City. Reportedly more than 40 dead and more than 50 people hospitalized,” Jaishankar said on the X platform.

“We are awaiting further information. Our deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. Wishing a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured,” Jaishankar added.
“Our embassy will provide the utmost assistance to all concerned in this regard,” he assured.

The Indian ambassador to Kuwait rushed to the scene of the incident. The Indian embassy has also issued an emergency helpline number for assistance.

“In connection with the tragic fire incident involving Indian workers today, the embassy has set up an emergency helpline number: +965-65505246. All those affected are requested to connect via this hotline. “assistance in obtaining updates The embassy remains committed to providing all possible assistance,” the Indian Embassy in Kuwait said on the X platform.

Kuwait, like other Persian Gulf countries, hosts a large community of migrant workers, outnumbering the local population. With a population of around 4.2 million, slightly smaller than the US state of New Jersey, Kuwait has the sixth largest known oil reserves in the world. Indians constitute 21 percent (1 million) of Kuwait’s total population and 30 percent of its workforce (around 900,000).
(With PTI entries.)