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Calling Kuwait an important trade and energy partner, a day ahead of his bilateral meetings with the Emir and Crown Prince of the Gulf nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted the role of the Indian diaspora in the country in terms of “talent, technology and tradition”.
Addressing a large gathering of the Indian community in Kuwait in a special event ‘Hala Modi’ at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex, Modi said, “The relationship that culture and commerce had built in the past is moving towards new heights in the new century. Today, Kuwait is a very important energy and trade partner of India. India is also a big investment destination for Kuwaiti companies.”
He also recalled what the Crown Prince said during their recent meeting in New York: “When You Are In Need, India Is Your Destination”, recalling Indian assistance to Kuwait during the pandemic times, and also how Kuwaiti authorities came forward to help during the fire accident in Mangaf earlier this year where more than 40 Indian workers lost their lives. The PM also visited the Gulf Spic Labour Camp, where more than 90% inhabitants are Indians, and interacted with them.
He landed in Kuwait on Saturday evening for a two-day visit, marking the first visit to the Gulf nation by an Indian PM in 43 years. “Landed in Kuwait to a warm welcome. This is the first visit by an Indian PM in 43 years, and it will undoubtedly strengthen the India-Kuwait friendship across various sectors,” Modi said in a post on X.
At a time when the tension in West Asia is still simmering, Modi also said that India and Kuwait have a “shared interest in peace, security, stability and prosperity in the West Asia region”. His visit to Kuwait is taking place two weeks after the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and the continuing Israeli offensive in Gaza.
Modi said his talks with top Kuwaiti leadership would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership with India. “We are not just strong trade and energy partners but also have shared interest in peace, stability and prosperity in the West Asia region,” he said.
On Sunday, PM Modi will be accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace (Emir’s palace), following which he will hold separate meetings with the Emir of Kuwait and the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah. There will be delegation-level talks with the PM of Kuwait as well.
During these discussions, PM Modi will review with the leadership of Kuwait “the entire spectrum of our bilateral relations — trade, investment, energy, culture, and people-to-people ties, and the steps that both sides need to take to further enhance them”, the MEA said. Kuwait is among India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at $10.47 billion in 2023-24.
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