PM Narendra Modi’s Historic Visit to Kuwait: Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a historic two-day visit to Kuwait, the first by an Indian premier in 43 years. He will meet top Kuwaiti leaders to strengthen ties in trade, investment, energy, and cultural exchanges. The visit aims to boost bilateral relations and support the large Indian expatriate community in Kuwait, highlighting significant economic collaborations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a significant two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over four decades. The Prime Minister’s agenda includes meetings with Kuwait’s leadership, including the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister of Kuwait, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations in trade, investment, energy, culture, and community interaction.
During this visit, Modi will also engage with Indian expatriates and tour a labor camp accommodating Indian blue-collar workers. In acknowledgment of the importance of the Indian diaspora, a prominent community event titled ‘Hala Modi’ is scheduled at the Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Sports Complex. This visit is anticipated to open new chapters in India-Kuwait relations, underscoring the potential for future collaborations in various sectors.
Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary of Overseas Indian Affairs, highlighted the expected outcomes of the visit, stating it would reinforce shared values and strengthen partnerships. Furthermore, the discussions are ongoing regarding a bilateral investment treaty and a defense cooperation agreement, which could significantly enhance diplomatic engagements between the two countries. Modi’s visit is also expected to boost relations between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a vital regional economic bloc chaired by Kuwait.
Trade relations are robust, with two-way trade between India and Kuwait recorded at approximately $10.47 billion for the fiscal year 2023-24. India stands as Kuwait’s third-largest trade partner, and the investment landscape is promising, highlighted by the Kuwait Investment Authority’s investments exceeding $10 billion in India. This burgeoning economic interaction aligns with the significant Indian expatriate community, totaling around one million in Kuwait.
The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kuwait is a landmark event in diplomatic relations between India and Kuwait, occurring 43 years after the last visit by an Indian Prime Minister. Previous Indian dignitaries, such as Indira Gandhi and Hamid Ansari, made significant contributions to the bilateral relations, focusing on trade and cultural exchanges. The current political dynamics in the Gulf, especially with the Gulf Cooperation Council, heighten the importance of this visit, which seeks to rejuvenate and modernize ties.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait is poised to reinforce bilateral ties across various sectors, including trade and investment. With a focus on the substantial Indian community in Kuwait, this visit emphasizes deepening people-to-people relations and cooperation in defense and investment. As both nations prepare for future collaborations, this visit represents a strategic step towards establishing a stronger partnership.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
