Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait occurred 43 years ago
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a two-day visit to Kuwait on Saturday, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over forty years. During this trip, he will engage in discussions with the senior leadership of Kuwait.
The last visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait occurred 43 years ago, when the late Indira Gandhi traveled there in 1981. Additionally, former Vice President Hamid Ansari visited the nation in 2009.
This visit is taking place at the invitation of Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In addition to meeting the Amir, Prime Minister Modi will also confer with the Kuwaiti Crown Prince and the Prime Minister. These discussions are anticipated to cover various aspects of bilateral relations, including trade, investment, energy, culture, and people-to-people interactions.
Furthermore, he plans to visit a labor camp that accommodates Indian blue-collar workers, participate in an event for the Indian community, and attend the inauguration of the Gulf Cup football tournament.
Preparations are in progress for the ‘Hala Modi’ community event, which is set to take place at the Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Sports Complex in Kuwait, as reported by news agency ANI.
On the eve of the Prime Minister’s visit, the Ministry of External Affairs indicated that this trip is expected to “open a new chapter” in the relationship between India and Kuwait.
Arun Kumar Chatterjee, the secretary for Overseas Indian Affairs in the ministry, stated during a media briefing that this initiative will not only strengthen the existing partnership but also open new pathways for future collaboration, enhance our mutual values, and establish a more robust and dynamic partnership moving forward.
India-Kuwait relations
India ranks among Kuwait’s leading trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching $10.47 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24. Indian exports rose from $1.56 billion in 2022-23 to $2.1 billion in 2023-24, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 34.7%.
Kuwait is the sixth largest supplier of crude oil to India, fulfilling 3% of the nation’s energy requirements, while the Kuwait Investment Authority’s investments in India surpass $10 billion. The Indian community in Kuwait, numbering one million, constitutes the largest expatriate group in the country.
