PM Modi's Visit to Labour Camp in Kuwait Highlights Commitment to Indian Workers' Welfare

Kuwait City, Dec 21 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday had an engaging session with a diverse group of Indian workers during his visit to a labour camp located in the Mina Abdullah area of Kuwait, which marked his first official activity after landing in the West Asian nation on a momentous visit earlier that day.

The labour camp is home to approximately 1500 Indian nationals from various states across India.

During the interaction, Prime Minister Modi inquired about the well-being of the Indian workers and delved into numerous welfare initiatives launched by the Indian government over the past decade.

"The visit to the labour camp signifies the emphasis placed by the Prime Minister on the welfare of Indian workers overseas. In recent years, the government has rolled out several technology-driven initiatives such as the E-Migrate portal, MADAD portal, and an enhanced Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana for the benefit of Indian workers abroad," stated the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) following the visit.

The administration under PM Modi is committed to providing steadfast support to its citizens in need, and the PM's visit to the camp on Saturday holds particular significance, especially in light of the tragic fire incident at a labour housing facility in the Mangaf area of Kuwait City in June, which resulted in the loss of many Indian lives.

Shortly after taking office, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirtivardhan Singh was dispatched to Kuwait under the directive of Prime Minister Modi, who was monitoring rescue operations on June 12 despite significant political activities back home, including swearing-in ceremonies in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has been operating in a mission-driven manner since the unfortunate event, consistently verifying safety protocols at the labour camps and accommodations of Indian workers.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived in Kuwait on Saturday afternoon, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Gulf nation in 43 years.

The PM was greeted with a grand reception upon his arrival as he commenced his historic two-day visit, which aims to elevate India's close relations with the Gulf nations, at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait.

Upon reaching the hotel, PM Modi was warmly welcomed by the Indian community.

"Received a heartwarming welcome from the vibrant Indian diaspora in Kuwait. Their energy, love, and steadfast connection to India are truly inspiring. I am thankful for their enthusiasm and proud of their contributions to fortifying ties between our nations," remarked PM Modi.

Additionally, he met with Mangal Sain Handa, a 101-year-old former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer residing in Kuwait, and received Arabic translations of the Ramayana and Mahabharata by Abdullah Baron and published by Abdullateef Alnesef.

"I am pleased to see the Arabic versions of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. I commend Abdullah Al-Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al-Nesef for their efforts in translating and publishing these texts. Their initiative underscores the global appeal of Indian culture," PM Modi expressed on X.

The Prime Minister is also set to receive a ceremonial guard of honor at the Bayan Palace, followed by separate meetings with the Amir of Kuwait and the Crown Prince of Kuwait.

Delegation-level discussions with the Prime Minister of Kuwait will take place thereafter, during which the Prime Minister will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including political, trade, investment, energy, culture, and people-to-people connections, as well as the steps necessary to further enhance these ties.

The Crown Prince will host a banquet in honor of the Indian PM. During this visit, PM Modi will also be attending the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as a special guest of the Amir of Kuwait.

"Today, I am embarking on a two-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. We greatly appreciate the historical bond with Kuwait that has been cultivated over generations. We share not only strong trade and energy partnerships but also mutual interests in peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the West Asia region," stated the Prime Minister in his pre-departure remarks.

"This visit presents an opportunity to formulate a roadmap for a progressive partnership for the benefit of our people and the region. I am looking forward to engaging with the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, who have significantly contributed to strengthening the bonds of friendship between our two nations," the statement concluded.

PM Modi expressed confidence that his visit will further solidify the special ties and friendships between the people of India and Kuwait.