The bodies of 20 Indian nationals who recently passed away in Kuwait arrived at Cochin International Airport in Kerala on Wednesday, officials confirmed. Among them was 37-year-old Santhanaselvam Krishnan from Muthukulathur in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district, who died in a drone strike on a water desalination facility. The remaining 19 individuals lost their lives in separate incidents and natural causes, but the return of their remains had been delayed due to the ongoing regional conflict.

As the unrest in the Gulf region enters its second month, a total of eight Indian nationals have died, while one person is still reported missing, according to a senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday. The official noted that the Indian mission in Kuwait is actively coordinating with local authorities to facilitate the swift repatriation of the deceased.

Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital, Joint Secretary (Gulf) Aseem Mahajan expressed condolences, stating that the government is in close contact with the bereaved family and is making efforts to ensure the early return of the mortal remains. He reiterated that eight Indians have lost their lives in various incidents, with one still unaccounted for.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait also conveyed its condolences following the death of an Indian worker in the attack on a desalination facility. In a post, the embassy stated that it is working closely with Kuwaiti authorities to provide all necessary support and assistance. Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy reported that the worker was killed and a service building at a major power and desalination plant suffered heavy damage in what officials described as strikes carried out on Sunday evening.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.