Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Kuwait starting Saturday, marking the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in over four decades. The last such visit occurred in 1981 when the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Kuwait, while the most recent high-level visit was made by then Vice President Hamid Ansari in 2009.
Modi’s visit to Kuwait, at the invitation of Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, is set to bolster India-Kuwait relations, particularly in areas like trade, investment, energy, culture, and people-to-people ties. The prime minister will hold crucial meetings with Kuwait’s top leadership, including the Amir, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister. These high-level discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and reviewing ongoing and future collaborative projects between the two nations.
A Focus on Indian Diaspora and Labour Community
One of the key highlights of Modi’s visit will be his interaction with the Indian diaspora in Kuwait. He will attend a significant community event, “Hala Modi,” at the Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Sports Complex. This event is expected to witness a large turnout from the Indian community, reflecting the growing importance of India-Kuwait relations.
In addition to meeting the Kuwaiti leadership, the Prime Minister will also visit a labor camp that houses Indian blue-collar workers, who play a pivotal role in Kuwait’s economy. This gesture underscores the Indian government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its overseas workers and addressing issues related to their working conditions.
Cultural and Sporting Diplomacy
Beyond political and economic discussions, PM Modi’s visit will also include a cultural aspect. He is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the Gulf Cup football tournament, reinforcing the cultural exchange between the two countries and emphasizing India’s growing presence in regional sporting events.
Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the trip in a post on X, stating, “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 will also attend the inauguration ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup.”
A Milestone in India-Kuwait Relations
Ahead of Modi’s visit, the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that the trip will “open a new chapter” in India-Kuwait relations. With India being home to a significant number of Kuwaiti expatriates and a major trade partner, this visit holds the potential to further elevate bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in various sectors.
As Modi arrives in Kuwait, preparations are already in full swing for the high-profile “Hala Modi” event, marking a historic moment in India-Kuwait diplomacy. This trip will undoubtedly serve as a platform for strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two nations, with a particular focus on the welfare of the Indian diaspora and the strategic partnership in various sectors.