Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. During this visit, PM Modi is set to engage with Kuwait’s top leadership and the Indian diaspora.
In a heartwarming turn of events ahead of his arrival, PM Modi responded to a request from an X user, Shreya Juneja, to meet her 101-year-old grandfather, former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Mangal Sain Handa. Ms. Juneja’s request, posted on X (formerly Twitter), quickly garnered attention.
Absolutely! I look forward to meeting @MangalSainHanda Ji in Kuwait today. https://t.co/xswtQ0tfSY
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 21, 2024
Her post read:
“Humble request to Hon’ble PM @narendramodi to meet my 101-year-old Nanaji, ex-IFS officer, in Kuwait during tmrw’s interaction with the Indian Diaspora. Nana @MangalSainHanda is a great admirer of yours. Details have been emailed to your office.”
PM Modi promptly responded with a message that resonated widely online:
“Absolutely! I look forward to meeting @MangalSainHanda Ji in Kuwait today.”
Who is Mangal Sain Handa?
Mangal Sain Handa, a retired diplomat, has long been an admirer of PM Modi and India’s developmental strides under his leadership. In 2023, PM Modi personally acknowledged Handa’s contributions to India’s foreign policy on his 100th birthday.
The Prime Minister’s letter, dated September 1, 2023, read:
“It is a pleasure to learn about your 100th birthday on September 1, 2023. Greetings and heartiest congratulations to you on this occasion.”
PM Modi praised Handa’s tenure as an IFS officer, highlighting his efforts in strengthening India’s diplomatic relations and addressing complex international challenges. The letter concluded with warm wishes:
“May you continue to be blessed with good health and well-being.”
Moved by the gesture, Handa shared the letter on X, expressing his gratitude:
“My heartfelt gratitude to our hon’ble @PMOIndia @narendramodi for sending his kind wishes on my 100th birthday. It has been worth living for 100 years to witness India grow under his leadership & continue the stride.”
PM Modi’s Kuwait Visit
PM Modi’s visit comes at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait. The two leaders will hold high-level talks focusing on strengthening bilateral relations. PM Modi will also visit an Indian labor camp, address the Indian community in Kuwait, and participate in the opening ceremony of the Gulf Cup football tournament.
This visit is expected to bolster diplomatic ties between India and Kuwait, reflecting the growing importance of India’s relationship with Gulf nations.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
