Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kuwait on Saturday for a two-day official visit, marking a significant step in enhancing India-Kuwait relations. During his stay, PM Modi will engage in bilateral talks with Kuwaiti leaders and meet the vibrant Indian diaspora residing in the Gulf nation.
The visit comes at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Notably, this is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait since 1981, when Indira Gandhi visited the country.
A key focus of PM Modi’s agenda is to strengthen defence cooperation and explore ways to bolster security ties between the two nations. Discussions are also expected on finalising a bilateral investment treaty and a defence cooperation agreement, as highlighted by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs), noted that the visit is likely to conclude with the signing of significant bilateral agreements. He emphasised that this trip would deepen India's ties with Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which Kuwait currently chairs.
Before departing for Kuwait, PM Modi expressed his optimism about the visit, stating, “I look forward to my meetings with His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister of Kuwait. It is an opportunity to chart a roadmap for a futuristic partnership that benefits both our people and the region.”
He further underscored the long-standing ties between the two countries, saying, “We deeply value our historical connection with Kuwait, nurtured over generations. Our partnership goes beyond trade and energy to encompass shared interests in peace, security, and stability in West Asia.”
India-Kuwait Trade and the Indian Diaspora
Kuwait is one of India’s key trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at $10.47 billion in the 2023-24 financial year. The Gulf nation is also India’s sixth-largest crude oil supplier, meeting 3% of its energy needs.
The Indian diaspora plays a pivotal role in Kuwait, constituting 30 per cent of the country’s workforce. Indian workers dominate both the private and domestic sectors, making them an integral part of Kuwait’s economy, according to the Indian Embassy.
PM Modi’s visit to Kuwait is expected to solidify defence cooperation, enhance bilateral trade, and strengthen the bond between the two nations, while also addressing the aspirations of the Indian diaspora.
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