PM Modi to embark on two-day Kuwait visit on Saturday, first by Indian PM in 43 years
PTC Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a significant visit to Kuwait on December 21-22, invited by the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. During the visit, he will engage with the Indian diaspora at a community event and visit a local labour camp. Additionally, PM Modi will attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as a special guest of the Emir of Kuwait.
At a special briefing on the Prime Minister's visit, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (CPV and OIA), emphasised the historic importance of PM Modi’s trip. "This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years, underscoring the deep-rooted ties and excellent political relations between the two countries," he stated.
PM Modi will receive a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace, the main residence of the Kuwaiti Emir, before holding separate meetings with the Emir and the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah. Following these meetings, there will be delegation-level talks with the Kuwaiti Prime Minister.
The discussions will cover a wide array of bilateral relations, including political cooperation, trade, investment, energy, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties. The Crown Prince will also host a banquet in honour of PM Modi during the visit.
This visit is poised to create new opportunities for enhanced cooperation and reinforce shared values, building a stronger India-Kuwait partnership and fostering ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at large.
"India has a community of around one million in Kuwait, and this visit reflects the importance India places on the well-being of its workers in foreign countries," Chatterjee said.
India and Kuwait share longstanding historical ties, robust economic relations, and vibrant cultural links. PM Modi had previously met the Crown Prince of Kuwait during the 2023 United Nations General Assembly, and high-level engagements between the countries have been increasing. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also visited Kuwait earlier this year in August, and Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al Hayya visited India in December.
India is one of Kuwait’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade surpassing $10 billion in 2023-24. Kuwait remains a crucial energy partner for India, providing crude oil and LPG, and there are also increasing investments from Kuwait in India.
- ANI
