At the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reached Kuwait for a 2-day visit. This is the first visit of any Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years. The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981. During the visit, PM Modi will hold discussions with the leadership of Kuwait and also interact with the Indian community. Upon his arrival, PM Modi said, "Landed in Kuwait to a warm welcome. This is the first visit by an Indian PM in 43 years, and it will undoubtedly strengthen the India-Kuwait friendship across various sectors. I look forward to the programmes scheduled for later today and tomorrow."
In his departure statement, he said his talks with top Kuwaiti leadership would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership between India and Kuwait. He will also attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup here in Kuwait.
What did PM Modi say about Kuwait Visit?
"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," he said. PM Modi said he was looking forward to his meetings with the Emir, the Crown Prince and the prime minister of Kuwait.
PM Modi's other notable engagements in Kuwait include a visit to the labour camp which houses blue-collar Indian workers. The PM will also address the Indian diaspora at the Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Sports Complex in the 'Hala Modi' event. Before PM Modi's visit, the MEA said that discussions are underway between both nations on a bilateral investment treaty and a defence cooperation pact. The MEA in this weekly media briefing expected that PM's visit will bolster India-Kuwait ties.
India-Kuwait ties
Indians constitute 21 per cent (1 million) of the total population of Kuwait and 30 per cent of its work-force (approx 9 lakhs). Indian workers top the Private Sector as well as domestic sector (DSW) work force list, according to Indian Embassy in Kuwait.
Kuwait is among India's top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at USD 10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24. Kuwait is India's sixth largest crude supplier, meeting 3 per cent of the country's energy needs.
Indian exports to Kuwait reached USD 2 billion for the first time, while investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceed USD 10 billion. India and Kuwait have enjoyed traditionally friendly relations, with links dating back to pre-oil Kuwait when maritime trade with India was the backbone of its economy.
(With agency inputs)
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