Kuwait Airport Attack: India Reacts After Indian Citizen Killed in Drone Strike

India has strongly condemned a drone attack on Kuwait International Airport that killed an Indian national and injured several others, amid escalating tensions across West Asia.

According to Kuwaiti authorities, several hostile drones struck Terminal 1 (T1) of Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday, causing extensive damage to the passenger terminal and injuring multiple people. The attack has raised concerns about the widening impact of the ongoing regional conflict on civilian infrastructure and foreign nationals living and working in the Gulf.

What has India said about the attack?

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denounced the strike and reiterated India's longstanding position that civilians and civilian infrastructure should not be targeted during conflicts.

"We condemn the attack on the Kuwait International Airport today in which an Indian national has died and several of our nationals are injured. Since the onset of the conflict in West Asia, we have strongly urged that civilian population and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted. We again call upon parties to cease such attacks," the MEA statement read.

The ministry also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and assured support for those injured in the incident.

"We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Our Embassy is extending all possible assistance to those injured. We remain in close contact with local authorities for the welfare of Indian nationals," the statement added.

How is India assisting affected citizens?

The MEA said Indian diplomatic missions across the region remain on high alert and are actively supporting members of the Indian community.

"Indian Missions and Posts across the region are on alert and continue to proactively support our community," it said.

Separately, the Embassy of India in Kuwait confirmed the death of an Indian citizen and said it was coordinating closely with local authorities while extending assistance to the victim's family and those injured.

In a post on X, the embassy stated: "Embassy of India in Kuwait expresses its deepest condolences at the tragic demise of an Indian national due to an attack on the airport in Kuwait today. The Embassy is in touch with the bereaved family and is closely coordinating with the Kuwaiti authorities to render all possible support and assistance to the bereaved family as well as those injured in the incident."

What have Kuwaiti authorities said?

Kuwait's Ministry of Defence attributed the attack to what it described as "criminal Iranian aggression."

In a statement posted on X, Ministry of Defence spokesperson Brigadier General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi said several hostile drones targeted Terminal 1 of Kuwait International Airport.

Al-Otaibi said the Kuwaiti armed forces were coordinating with relevant agencies and remained fully prepared to respond to any developments.

"He affirmed that the armed forces are monitoring the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities, and they are in a state of complete readiness to deal with any developments and to take all necessary measures to preserve the security of the country and its stability," the statement read.

How does the attack fit into the broader regional conflict?

The strike comes amid heightened tensions across West Asia, where military confrontations have increasingly threatened civilian infrastructure and transportation hubs.

While Kuwaiti authorities blamed Iran for the attack, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) had carried out retaliatory strikes against the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.

The developments underscore growing fears that the conflict could spread further across the Gulf region, affecting civilian populations, critical infrastructure and the large expatriate communities residing there, including millions of Indians.

Why is the incident significant for India?

The death of an Indian national highlights the risks faced by Indian citizens living and working in conflict-affected regions of West Asia. India has consistently advocated restraint, protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian norms throughout the ongoing crisis.

With a substantial Indian diaspora spread across the Gulf, New Delhi is closely monitoring developments and maintaining contact with regional governments to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens.

(With inputs from ANI)