PM Narendra Modi’s Historic Visit to Kuwait: Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kuwait for two days, marking the first visit by an Indian premier in 43 years. The trip focuses on enhancing India-Kuwait relations through discussions on trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. Modi will meet with Kuwaiti leadership and engage with the Indian community, including attending the “Hala Modi” event. The visit is expected to boost cooperation between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to commence a significant two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first official visit by an Indian premier in over 40 years. This historic trip aims to strengthen India-Kuwait relations and is expected to facilitate high-level discussions regarding trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in various sectors. During his visit, PM Modi will meet with key Kuwaiti leaders, including the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister.

Additionally, PM Modi will engage with the Indian community in Kuwait, visiting a labor camp housing Indian workers and participating in the community event titled “Hala Modi” at the Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Sports Complex. Facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs, this visit is anticipated to advance ties between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which Kuwait currently chairs, potentially unlocking new avenues for bilateral cooperation and partnership.

The Ministry has indicated that discussions are underway for a bilateral investment treaty and a defense cooperation agreement. The Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs), Arun Kumar Chatterjee, highlighted that “this visit will not only consolidate the partnership in existing spheres but also unveil new avenues for future cooperation, reinforce our shared values and build a stronger and dynamic partnership for the future.” With India being a crucial trading partner for Kuwait, this visit is poised to enhance economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kuwait is significant due to its historical context, being the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, following the visit of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1981. This visit is anticipated to not only strengthen bilateral relations but also tilt towards a more cooperative strategic partnership in various fields such as trade and defense. As India is one of Kuwait’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching $10.47 billion for the year 2023-24, establishing a robust economic relationship is essential for both nations. The presence of a large Indian expatriate community in Kuwait further necessitates strengthening cultural and people-to-people connections between the two countries.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Kuwait is a landmark event that aims to rejuvenate India-Kuwait relations, fostering collaboration in trade, energy, culture, and defense. The expected discussions on a bilateral investment treaty and defense cooperation are crucial for the ongoing partnership. As the largest expatriate community in Kuwait, Indians will benefit significantly from this enhanced diplomatic engagement, reinforcing the longstanding ties between the two nations.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com