NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Kuwait on Saturday.
This is the first visit by the Indian PM to the country in 43 years. Indira Gandhi, was the last Prime Minster, who visited the country in 1981.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said PM Modi has visited Kuwait on the invitation of Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Jaber Al Sabah.
The PM left for the country on Saturday. His engagements include an interaction with the Indian community there – India has 10 lakh strong community in the nation.
Modi would also visit Gulf Spic Labour Camp and meet Indian workers and is also scheduled to attend a community event at Shaikh Saad Al Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex.
He would also be the guest of honour for the Gulf Cup (Football) opening ceremony.
He would be accorded ceremonial guard of honour at Amir’s Bayan Palace following which he would hold discussions with the leadership of Kuwait.
This would include a bilateral meeting with the PM. Modi would also hold one-on-one meetings with the Amir and the Crown Prince.
Kuwait is among India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade at US $ 10.47 billion in financial year 2023-24. Kuwait is India’s 6th largest crude supplier, meeting 3 per cent of the country’s energy needs. Indian exports to Kuwait reached US $ 2 billion for the first time. Investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceed US $ 10 billion.
The two nations share a robust trade and vibrant cultural connections.
Traditionally, India and Kuwait have enjoyed friendly relations, with links dating back to Kuwait’s pre-oil economy when maritime trade with India was the backbone of its economy.
The diplomatic relations between India and Kuwait were established in 1961.
Earlier this year, PM Modi and Kuwait’s Crown Prince held meeting on the sidelines of UNGA in September. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also held a meeting with his Kuwaiti counterpart this year in August.
Both the countries have institutionalised their cooperation through mechanisms such as the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC).