KUWAIT CITY – The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has confirmed the death of an Indian national following an Iranian strike on a water desalination and power plant on Sunday. This latest fatality brings the total number of Indian citizens killed since the regional conflict began a month ago to eight.
While the embassy expressed its “deepest condolences,” it has not yet released the specific identity of the deceased worker. Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity and Water stated that the “Iranian aggression” targeted a service building at the facility, resulting in significant material damage alongside the loss of life.
Rising Toll for Indian Expats
With approximately 10 million Indians living and working across West Asia, the Indian government has been on high alert as civilian infrastructure increasingly becomes a target. The deaths of Indian nationals have occurred across multiple countries and maritime zones since late February:
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Kuwait: 1 killed (March 29) at a desalination plant.
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UAE: 1 killed (March 24) after missile debris fell on a street in Abu Dhabi.
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Saudi Arabia: 1 killed (March 18) in a missile attack on Riyadh.
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Oman: 2 killed (March 13) during a drone strike in the city of Sohar.
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At Sea: 3 sailors killed in separate attacks on merchant vessels in regional waters.
Regional Instability
Kuwaiti authorities reported that their defense systems have dealt with over 300 ballistic missiles and 600 drones since the conflict’s onset. Technical teams are working around the clock to ensure that essential water and electricity services remain operational despite the damage to the desalination plant.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi is reportedly coordinating with missions in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to assist the families of the deceased and manage the repatriation of mortal remains.
