India condemns Kuwait airport attack that killed Indian national

NEW DELHI,  Jun 3 : India on Wednesday condemned an attack on Kuwait International Airport that left one Indian national dead and several others injured, while renewing calls for an end to such violence.

New Delhi also strongly urged that civilian population and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted.

The latest casualty brings the total number of Indian fatalities to at least 10 since hostilities broke out between Iran and the US on February 28.

“We condemn the attack on the Kuwait International Airport today in which an Indian national has died and several of our nationals are injured,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

“Since the onset of the conflict in West Asia, we have strongly urged that civilian population and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted. We again call upon parties to cease such attacks,” it said in a statement.

The identity of the deceased Indian is not immediately known.

The MEA said the Indian mission in Kuwait is extending all possible assistance to those injured.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Our Embassy is extending all possible assistance to those injured. We remain in close contact with local authorities for the welfare of Indian nationals,” the MEA said.

It said the Indian missions and posts across the region are on alert and continue to proactively support our community.

Kuwait expressed its “deepest condolences at the tragic demise of an Indian national due to an attack on the airport in Kuwait today”.

The Indian embassy in Kuwait said it is “closely coordinating” with the Kuwaiti authorities to render all possible support and assistance to the bereaved family as well as those injured in the incident.

Kuwait suspended air traffic on Wednesday after the Iranian strikes hit Terminal One of the airport.

The attack came amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran.

Earlier, an Indian national was killed in Kuwait in Iranian strikes on a power and water desalination plant on March 30.

Kuwaiti Interior Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Nasser Bousleeb said that the passenger terminal (T1) at the airport was subjected to an attack by several hostile drones.

“The attack resulted in the death of one traveller and injuries to several workers and travellers,” he said, adding that the airport’s facilities and operational infrastructure suffered serious material damage.

The Kuwaiti foreign ministry summoned the Charge d’Affaires at the Iranian Embassy and handed him an official protest note regarding the attacks.

Last month, an Indian sailor was killed and several others injured after their wooden dhow caught fire near the Strait of Hormuz.

In March, an Indian national died and another was injured by debris from the interception of a missile in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi.

Another Indian national was killed in missile and drone attacks on the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh on March 18.

Two more Indians died in an attack on an industrial area in Oman on March 13, and three seafarers died in attacks on merchant vessels in the early days of the conflict.

One Indian citizen has also been reported missing.( PTI)