Prime Minister Modi Embarks on Groundbreaking Visit to Kuwait for Future Collaboration

New Delhi, Dec 21 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant two-day diplomatic mission to Kuwait on Saturday, marking a historic occasion as he becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Gulf nation in over four decades.

"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 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," the Prime Minister stated in his departing message.

During the trip, PM Modi is set to hold discussions with the Amir, Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, and the Prime Minister of Kuwait. He noted, "It would be an opportunity to chalk out a road map for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of our people and the region."

"I eagerly look forward to meeting the Indian diaspora in Kuwait who have immensely contributed to the strengthening of bonds of friendship between the two nations," he added.

PM Modi also expressed his appreciation to the Kuwaiti leadership for the invitation to the inauguration ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup, a prominent sporting event in the 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 remarked.

This trip is viewed as a crucial move towards enhancing India-Kuwait relations.

The visit will commence with PM Modi meeting members of the Indian workforce at a labor camp in Kuwait, highlighting his commitment to recognizing the contributions of Indian expatriates and fostering deeper ties with citizens abroad.

"India and Kuwait share traditionally close and friendly relations rooted in history, underpinned by economic ties and strong people-to-people linkages. India is among Kuwait's top trading partners," stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) prior to the visit.

The MEA also pointed out that the Indian community, being the largest expatriate group in Kuwait, plays a vital role in fortifying bilateral relations.

"The visit provides an opportunity to further enhance the multifaceted ties between the two nations," the MEA added.

Upon his arrival, PM Modi will be welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honor at the Bayan Palace, the official residence of the Amir.

He is set to engage in high-level discussions with Kuwaiti leaders on critical areas such as trade, investment, energy cooperation, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA) at the MEA, emphasized the significance of this visit, noting that it marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi's 1981 trip. "India and Kuwait share excellent political relations, and this visit will further strengthen our bilateral ties," he affirmed.

The bilateral trade between India and Kuwait reached $10.47 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, with Kuwait being a crucial partner in India's energy sector.

During the visit, PM Modi is also expected to address the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, further strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two nations.