Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kuwait and met 101-year-old former IFS officer Mangal Sain Handa, responding to a request from his granddaughter on social media. This visit marks the first by an Indian PM in 43 years and underscores India’s commendable ties with Kuwait, where the Indian diaspora constitutes a significant portion of the population.
During his visit to Kuwait, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had the honor of meeting Mangal Sain Handa, a distinguished 101-year-old former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer. This encounter was made possible following a heartfelt request from Mr. Handa’s granddaughter on the social media platform X. Her message expressed a sincere desire for the Prime Minister to engage with her grandfather, who holds great admiration for him. Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Modi not only interacted with Mr. Handa but also extended his greetings to other members of the Indian diaspora present in Kuwait.
Mr. Handa’s son, Dilip Handa, expressed profound gratitude, stating, “This is an experience of a lifetime. PM Modi said he especially came here to meet him (my father). We are grateful to Prime Minister Modi.” This visit marks an important milestone as it is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years, following Indira Gandhi’s visit in 1981.\n
The significant Indian presence in Kuwait is noteworthy, with 1 million Indians comprising 21 percent of the total population and accounting for 30 percent of the workforce in the nation. As Prime Minister Modi emphasizes, the relationship between India and Kuwait is rooted in deep historical ties, not only in trade but also in shared aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity in the West Asia region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Kuwait is notable for various reasons, including the meeting with 101-year-old Mangal Sain Handa, a former IFS officer. Mr. Handa is an esteemed figure within the Indian community, and his granddaughter’s request for a meeting highlights the strong connection between the Indian diaspora and their homeland. In the backdrop of this visit is the historical context that underscores the importance of Kuwait as a host to a significant Indian population, which fosters bilateral ties between the two nations. The Prime Minister’s visit also emphasizes the strategic partnership between India and Kuwait, particularly concerning trade, security, and regional collaboration.
The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Mangal Sain Handa illustrates the Prime Minister’s commitment to connecting with members of the Indian diaspora, especially those with significant historical contributions. This pivotal visit not only strengthens India-Kuwait relations but also highlights the cultural and emotional bonds that Indian expatriates maintain with their homeland. As the Prime Minister engages with the Kuwaiti Indian community, this fortifies the shared interests both nations hold in peace and prosperity in the region.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
