Kuwait Repatriates Body of Santhanaselvam Krishnan and 19 Other Indians to India

31/03/2026

Video courtesy ANI (India)

KUWAIT CITY, Mar 31: The mortal remains of 20 Indian nationals who died in separate incidents in Kuwait are set to arrive in Kochi late Tuesday aboard a special Kuwait Airways flight, officials said.
Among the 20 Indian nationals repatriated was Santhanaselvam Krishnan, a 37-year-old from Muthukulathur, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, who was killed in a drone strike. The remaining 19 individuals were victims of various recent incidents and natural causes, whose repatriation had been delayed due to the ongoing regional conflict.

The repatriation had been delayed due to recent disruptions in flight operations from Kuwait. With services now partially restored, authorities coordinated to transport all remains together on a single flight.

The aircraft, operating as KU5632 on the Kuwait–Colombo–Kochi route, is scheduled to land at Cochin International Airport late at night. The flight is dedicated solely to carrying the remains and is not transporting passengers.

Officials said arrangements have been made to ensure swift clearance upon arrival, followed by immediate transfer to the victims’ hometowns. The bodies will be sent to various locations, including Kozhikode, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and parts of Tamil Nadu.

Authorities added that all procedures, including documentation and coordination with local officials and families, have been streamlined to ensure a dignified and timely handover.

The aircraft is scheduled to depart Kochi on its return leg to Kuwait on April 1, also without passengers.

As per the latest information, the mortal remains of 20 Indian nationals who passed away in Kuwait arrived late at night at Cochin International Airport aboard a special Kuwait Airways flight.