Prime Minister Narendra Modi met 101-year-old ex-IFS officer Mangal Sain Handa in Kuwait after his granddaughter made a request via social media. This encounter occurred during Modi’s first visit to Kuwait by an Indian PM in 43 years, highlighting the strong ties between India and its diaspora in the region.
During his recent visit to Kuwait, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with a 101-year-old former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Mangal Sain Handa, at the request of his granddaughter. This heartfelt encounter occurred just hours before the Prime Minister’s scheduled engagement with members of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait. The granddaughter reached out to Prime Minister Modi through the social media platform X, expressing her desire for her grandfather to meet the esteemed leader and highlighting Mr. Handa’s admiration for him.
Upon his arrival in Kuwait, Prime Minister Modi honored this request, making it clear that he valued meeting Mr. Handa. Dilip Handa, the son of Mangal Sain Handa, conveyed his gratitude by 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 a significant historical moment as it is the first time in 43 years that an Indian prime minister has visited Kuwait, with the last visit being made by Indira Gandhi in 1981.
Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic mission to Kuwait is significant, as approximately 1 million Indians constitute 21 percent of the total population, with Indian workers making up around 30 percent of the total workforce in Kuwait. Before his departure, he emphasized the importance of the longstanding relationship between India and Kuwait, stating, “We deeply value the historical connection with Kuwait that has been nurtured over generations. We are not just strong trade and energy partners but also have shared interest in peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the West Asia region.”
The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mangal Sain Handa is emblematic of the strong ties between India and Kuwait. With a significant Indian diaspora residing in Kuwait, comprising approximately 21% of the population, the relationship is not only bi-directional but also underpinned by shared economic and sociocultural interests. This visit by Prime Minister Modi is a crucial diplomatic engagement, as it is the first by an Indian prime minister in over four decades, emphasizing the importance of Gulf nations in India’s foreign policy and trade strategy.
In summary, Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with the centenarian ex-IFS officer Mangal Sain Handa reflects the deep-seated appreciation for the contributions of Indians abroad. It highlights the Prime Minister’s commitment to engaging with the Indian diaspora, reaffirming India’s diplomatic relationships through personal gestures. This visit also marks a historic moment in India-Kuwait relations, reinforcing India’s strategic interests in West Asia.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
