PM Modi’s Landmark Visit to Kuwait to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a historic two-day visit to Kuwait on Saturday, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. This visit, invited by the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, underscores the growing and multifaceted relationship between the two countries.
The visit will commence with a visit to an Indian labour camp, where PM Modi will meet with members of the Indian workforce, showing his solidarity and appreciation for their contributions to both India and Kuwait. This gesture highlights the Indian government’s commitment to engaging with its citizens abroad and recognizing their role in fostering international relations.
“India and Kuwait share traditionally close and friendly relations which are rooted in history and have been underpinned by strong economic and people-to-people linkages. India is among the top trading partners of Kuwait,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated ahead of the visit. The Indian community in Kuwait is the largest expatriate group in the country, further emphasizing the significance of this diplomatic engagement.
Upon arrival, PM Modi will be accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace, the official residence of the Emir. The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with the Emir, Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, and the Prime Minister of Kuwait. These talks are expected to cover a wide range of critical areas, including trade, investment, energy cooperation, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA) at the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted the importance of the visit, noting that it marks the first Indian Prime Ministerial visit to Kuwait since the visit of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1981. Chatterjee emphasized that this visit comes at a time when the political relations between the two nations are at an “excellent” level, with considerable potential to further enhance bilateral ties.
India and Kuwait share a robust trade relationship, with bilateral trade reaching $10.47 billion in the 2023-24 financial year. Kuwait remains one of India’s top trading partners, particularly in the energy sector. PM Modi’s visit is expected to provide new momentum to these economic ties, opening doors for expanded cooperation.
During his visit, PM Modi is also expected to meet with members of the Indian diaspora, strengthening cultural and economic linkages between the two nations. This historic visit marks a significant moment in India-Kuwait relations, paving the way for deeper cooperation across multiple sectors in the years to come.
