Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kuwait for two days, marking the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in over 40 years.
The last time an Indian Prime Minister visited Kuwait was in 1981 when Indira Gandhi made the historic trip. Additionally, former Vice President Hamid Ansari visited the nation in 2009.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will engage in discussions with Kuwait’s top leaders to strengthen bilateral relations.
PM Modi Kuwait Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a two-day visit to Kuwait, starting Saturday, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. The trip comes at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
During his visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold discussions with Kuwait’s top leadership, interact with the 5,000-strong Indian community at the ‘Hala Modi’ event, and visit an Indian labor camp. He will also attend the Arabian Gulf Cup’s inauguration, a prominent football tournament.
Today and tomorrow, I will be visiting Kuwait. This visit will deepen India’s historical linkages with Kuwait. I look forward to meeting His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Kuwait.
This evening, I will be interacting with the Indian community and…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 21, 2024The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties, with agreements expected in key sectors such as defense and trade. In his departure statement, PM Modi highlighted the historical bond between India and Kuwait, emphasizing their shared interests in trade, energy, and regional stability. He expressed optimism about creating a roadmap for a future-focused partnership to benefit both nations.
PM Modi also acknowledged the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, who have played a vital role in enhancing the friendship between the two countries. The last Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981.
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New Chapter in India-Kuwait Relations
At a media briefing on Friday, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary for Overseas Indian Affairs in the Ministry of External Affairs, described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait as a “historic milestone” in strengthening bilateral ties.
“This visit is poised to open a new chapter in India-Kuwait relations,” Chatterjee remarked. “It will not only solidify our existing partnership but also explore fresh avenues for collaboration, deepen shared values, and create a stronger, more dynamic relationship for the future.”
PM Modi’s Key Engagements in Kuwait
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait includes meetings with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince, and his counterpart. The visit, initiated at the Emir’s invitation, aims to foster a more dynamic partnership between the two nations.
Discussions will cover the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, focusing on trade, investment, energy, culture, and people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significance of the visit, Kuwaiti Crown Prince will host a banquet in PM Modi’s honor.
This visit is also expected to enhance India’s ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a prominent bloc comprising the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. As the current GCC chair, Kuwait plays a pivotal role in the grouping. India’s trade with GCC countries reached an impressive $184.46 billion in the 2022-23 financial year.
India and the GCC are negotiating a free trade agreement, which is anticipated to strengthen economic ties further. “We hope both sides will conclude the pact soon,” said Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary for Overseas Indian Affairs in the Ministry of External Affairs.
Kuwait remains a key partner for India, with bilateral trade valued at $10.47 billion in 2023-24. India is also one of Kuwait’s top trading partners, and the Indian diaspora forms the largest expatriate community in the Gulf state, further cementing this vital relationship.
PM Modi’s Planned Visit to Labour Camp in Kuwait
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit a labour camp in Kuwait, highlighting the Indian government’s commitment to the welfare of Indian workers abroad.
Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary for Overseas Indian Affairs, emphasized the significance of the visit, stating, “The purpose of the Prime Minister’s visit to the labour camp is to demonstrate the importance the Government of India places on the well-being of our workers.”
This visit gains added relevance following the tragic fire on June 12 in Kuwait’s Mangaf locality, where over 45 Indians lost their lives in a building housing foreign workers. Chatterjee remarked that the Indian Embassy regularly inspects workers’ accommodations to ensure they meet safety and living standards.
“The Mangaf incident was unfortunate, but valuable lessons have been learned to prevent such tragedies in the future,” Chatterjee added. This visit underscores the government’s resolve to support and improve conditions for Indian workers overseas.
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PM Modi Kuwait Visit FAQs
Q.1. Why is PM Modi visiting Kuwait?
Ans. PM Modi’s visit to Kuwait aims to strengthen bilateral ties, sign key agreements, interact with the Indian community, and address the welfare of Indian workers abroad.
Q.2. When was the last Indian Prime Ministerial visit to Kuwait?
Ans. The last visit was in 1981 by Indira Gandhi, making PM Modi’s trip the first in over 43 years.
Q.3. What key agreements are expected during PM Modi Kuwait visit?
Ans. Agreements in sectors like defense, trade, investment, and energy are anticipated to enhance cooperation between India and Kuwait.
Q.4. How is the Indian community involved in PM Modi’s visit to Kuwait?
Ans. PM Modi will interact with the 5,000-strong Indian diaspora at the ‘Hala Modi’ event, acknowledging their role in strengthening India-Kuwait relations.
Q.5. What is the significance of PM Modi’s visit to a labour camp in Kuwait?
Ans. The visit highlights the government’s focus on the welfare and living conditions of Indian workers abroad, reinforcing its commitment to their well-being.
