PM Modi met 101-year-old ex-IFS officer Mangal Sain Handa in Kuwait at his granddaughter’s request, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years. The visit underscores India’s deep historical ties with Kuwait and the significant presence of the Indian diaspora in the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had the honor of meeting 101-year-old Mangal Sain Handa, a former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, while on his visit to Kuwait. The meeting occurred at the request of Mr. Handa’s granddaughter on the social media platform X, with her heartfelt appeal reaching the Prime Minister just hours before his arrival. The granddaughter expressed her desire for PM Modi to meet her grandfather, highlighting Mr. Handa’s admiration for the Prime Minister.
During his visit, PM Modi not only met with Mr. Handa but also engaged with various members of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait. Mr. Handa’s son, Dilip Handa, conveyed his family’s gratitude, sharing that it was a memorable experience for them and stating, ‘PM Modi said he especially came here to meet him (my father). We are grateful to Prime Minister Modi.’ This meeting underscored the strong connections between the Indian community in Kuwait and their homeland.
Notably, PM Modi’s trip marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years, the last being Indira Gandhi in 1981. India shares deep-rooted historical ties with Kuwait, reflected in the substantial Indian diaspora that constitutes about 21 percent of Kuwait’s population, with Indian workers making up approximately 30 percent of the nation’s workforce. Prior to his departure, PM Modi recognized the valued relationship, stating that India and Kuwait are not only strong partners in trade and energy but also share interests in peace and security in the region.
The article discusses a significant diplomatic engagement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait, emphasizing the personal touch of his meeting with a distinguished elder member of the Indian diaspora. The meeting showcases the importance of community ties and the respect the Prime Minister holds for the contributions of Indians abroad. Furthermore, it highlights the historical significance of the visit after decades, marking a new chapter in India-Kuwait relations amid a backdrop of political, economic, and cultural exchanges.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with 101-year-old ex-IFS officer Mangal Sain Handa illustrates the deep respect and acknowledgment he has for members of the Indian diaspora, particularly those who have served the nation. This visit not only strengthens diplomatic ties between India and Kuwait, but also highlights the Prime Minister’s commitment to fostering connections with the Indian community abroad. Such engagements reinforce the historical bonds shared between the two nations, paving the way for future cooperation on various fronts.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
