PM departs for Kuwait from New Delhi on December 21, 2024.
PM Modi Kuwait Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for a two-day visit to Kuwait on Saturday. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years. Earlier in 1981, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had visited Kuwait. This visit is being seen as the beginning of a new chapter in India-Kuwait relations. This visit has been organized at the invitation of Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Before leaving for Kuwait PM Modi said, “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.”
He 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.”
PM Modi will meet the Amir, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Kuwait during this visit. These meetings will discuss strengthening relations in areas such as trade, energy, investment, culture and mutual contacts. The Ministry of External Affairs said that during this visit, there will also be talks on the Defense Cooperation Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty between the two countries. This visit will work to give new dimensions to the relations between India and Kuwait.
PM said he was looking forward to his meetings with His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Kuwait. It would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of our people and the region, he said.
Prime Minister Modi will also meet the Indian community of Kuwait during his visit. This program called ‘Hala Modi’ will be held at Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Sports Complex. Modi will interact with Indian expatriates and try to understand their problems. Also, he will visit a labor camp where Indian blue-collar workers live. This will give a new identity to Indian expatriates.
I eagerly look forward to meeting the Indian diaspora in Kuwait who have immensely contributed to strengthening of bonds of friendship between the two nations.
PM Modi said, “I express my gratitude to the leadership of Kuwait for the special gesture of inviting me to the inauguration ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup, a premier sporting event in the Gulf region. I look forward to being a part of this celebration of athletic excellence and regional unity.”
Trade relations between India and Kuwait are deep. Trade between the two countries was $10.47 billion in 2023-24. India’s exports have registered a growth of 34.7% compared to last year. Kuwait is India’s sixth largest supplier of crude oil and 3% of India’s energy requirements come from Kuwait. Kuwait Investment Authority has invested more than $10 billion in India.
Kuwait is currently the chairman of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). PM Modi’s visit is being seen as a step to strengthen relations between India and GCC countries. GCC includes United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait. India’s trade with GCC countries stood at $184.46 billion in the financial year 2022-23. This visit will promote regional cooperation.
This visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is considered very important in terms of relations between India and Kuwait. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this visit of PM Modi will not only strengthen the existing partnership but will also open new avenues for future cooperation. The participation of the Indian community and dialogue with the top leadership of Kuwait are making this visit more special.
PM said, “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.”
