PM Modi Meets 101-Year-Old Former IFS Officer in Kuwait Following Social Media Appeal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his historic visit to Kuwait, made a heartwarming gesture by meeting Mangal Sain Handa, a 101-year-old former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer. The meeting followed a special request made by Handa's granddaughter on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Ahead of PM Modi’s arrival in Kuwait, the granddaughter posted:

“Humble request to Hon'ble PM @narendramodi to meet my 101-year-old Nanaji, ex-IFS officer, in Kuwait during tomorrow's interaction with the Indian Diaspora. Nana @MangalSainHanda is a great admirer of yours.”

Responding promptly, PM Modi ensured the meeting took place during his interaction with members of the Indian diaspora.

The meeting left the Handa family deeply moved. Dilip Handa, son of Mangal Sain Handa, expressed 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 marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years, with the last being Indira Gandhi in 1981. Kuwait hosts a significant Indian diaspora, comprising nearly 1 million people or 21% of its population. Indian workers also account for 30% of the country’s workforce, highlighting the strong ties between the two nations.

Ahead of his trip, PM Modi emphasized the importance of the longstanding relationship between India and Kuwait.
“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,” PM Modi said.

The visit underlines India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties while celebrating the contributions of the Indian diaspora in fostering closer relations with Kuwait.