Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a review meeting at his residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi, on Wednesday to address the tragic fire incident in Kuwait that resulted in the deaths and injuries of numerous Indian nationals. The meeting aimed to assess the situation and formulate a comprehensive response plan to support the affected individuals and their families. The following subheadings provide an overview of the key aspects discussed during the meeting.
Expressing Condolences for Kuwait
The Prime Minister began the meeting by expressing his profound sorrow over the unfortunate incident. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Indian nationals and conveyed his sympathies to those who were injured. “It is a moment of great sadness for us,” he stated, emphasizing the shared grief felt by the nation. The Prime Minister’s expression of solidarity with the affected families underscores the government’s commitment to standing by its citizens in times of distress.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of a prompt and compassionate response. He stressed the need for all involved officials and agencies to act with utmost sensitivity and urgency. The Prime Minister acknowledged the emotional and financial challenges faced by the families and reiterated the government’s dedication to providing necessary support.
Directives for Government Assistance
Prime Minister Modi directed that the Government of India should extend all possible assistance to the affected individuals. He instructed the Minister of State for External Affairs to immediately travel to Kuwait to oversee the relief measures on the ground. The Minister’s mission includes coordinating with local authorities and Indian diplomatic missions to ensure that the victims receive the necessary support.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the primary objective is to facilitate the expeditious repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased Indian nationals. He urged the officials to work closely with Kuwaiti authorities to expedite the process and minimize any bureaucratic delays. The Prime Minister also called for a comprehensive assessment of the situation to identify any additional support measures that might be required.
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Financial Aid for Affected Families
In a significant move to provide immediate relief to the grieving families, Prime Minister Modi announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased Indian nationals from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. This financial assistance is intended to help the families manage the immediate expenses arising from the tragedy and provide some financial stability during this difficult period.
The Prime Minister noted that while financial assistance cannot compensate for the loss of loved ones, it can offer some relief and support to the families as they navigate this challenging time. He instructed the relevant authorities to ensure that the disbursement of funds is carried out promptly and efficiently, without any bureaucratic hurdles.
The review meeting saw the attendance of several key government officials who play crucial roles in managing external affairs and national security. Among those present were the Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Kirtivardhan Singh, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Shri Pramod Kumar Mishra, National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Shri Vinay Kwatra.
The presence of these senior officials underscores the gravity of the situation and the government’s commitment to providing swift and effective assistance to the affected individuals of Kuwait and their families. Their collective expertise and experience are crucial in ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive response to the tragedy.
Coordinated Response and Future Steps
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a coordinated response involving multiple government agencies. He called for a thorough review of the Kuwait Fire Tragedy to identify any systemic issues that need to be addressed to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of maintaining regular communication with the affected families of Kuwait to keep them informed about the progress of relief efforts.
The meeting concluded with the Prime Minister urging all officials to remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to support the victims and their families. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad and stressed the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic relations with countries hosting significant Indian populations.
Prime Minister Modi’s review meeting on the Kuwait fire tragedy underscored the government’s deep concern for its citizens and its commitment to providing timely and effective assistance. The directives issued and the financial aid announced reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the immediate needs of the affected families while also laying the groundwork for long-term support and preventive measures.
