 "Image courtesy: @narendramodi/X")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kuwait on Saturday on a two-day visit at the invitation of Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
This is the first visit of an Indian prime minister to Kuwait in 43 years. The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981.
Soon after reaching Kuwait, PM Modi interacted with the Indian diaspora at a hotel in Kuwait. He also met the publisher and translator of the Arabic language Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Before embarking on his trip to Kuwait, PM Modi said, “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.”
“I am confident that this visit will further strengthen and reinforce the special ties and bonds of friendship between the people of India and Kuwait,” he added.
How does PM Modi’s trip look like?
PM Modi will meet the Emir, the Crown Prince and the prime minister of Kuwait during his visit.
He will also visit an Indian labour camp, interact with the Indian diaspora in Kuwait and attend the opening ceremony of the Gulf Cup football tournament during his two-day-long visit.
India-Kuwait ties
On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India and Kuwait are expected to focus on shoring up ties in a range of key areas including defence and trade during the prime minister’s visit to the Gulf nation.
Discussions are underway with Kuwait on a bilateral investment treaty and a defence cooperation pact, according to officials.
India is among the top trading partners of Kuwait. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait.
The Gulf nation is among India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at USD 10.47 billion in 2023-24.
Kuwait is India’s sixth largest crude supplier, meeting 3 per cent of the country’s energy needs.
With inputs from PTI