Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a historic two-day visit to Kuwait, the first by an Indian premier in over 40 years. The visit aims to strengthen India-Kuwait relations through discussions on trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Modi will meet with Kuwait’s Emir and other senior leaders, and engage with the Indian community, underlining India’s commitment to enhancing diplomatic ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a significant two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first by an Indian leader in over 40 years. The aim of this visit is to enhance bilateral relations between India and Kuwait across various sectors. Modi will engage with the Emir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, alongside his interactions with the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Kuwait. Additionally, he is expected to address the Indian diaspora and visit a labor camp for Indian workers, thereby strengthening ties with the expatriate community.
Discussions during this visit will focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investments, energy, and cultural exchanges. The Ministry of External Affairs has highlighted that this visit is anticipated to consolidate existing partnerships and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Particular emphasis will be placed on negotiating a bilateral investment treaty and a defense cooperation agreement. Furthermore, the visit is expected to bolster relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), an influential regional grouping chaired by Kuwait.
With Kuwait being a major trading partner, the Indian trade with Kuwait reached $10.47 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, evidencing a robust economic relationship. Notably, Indian exports have seen remarkable growth, increasing significantly from previous years. Additionally, Kuwait fulfills 3% of India’s energy needs as the sixth-largest supplier of crude oil, underpinning the vital energy ties between the two nations. Modi’s visit is thus a pivotal moment for both countries, aiming to solidify and expand their diplomatic and economic relationships.
The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kuwait holds immense significance as it is the first prime ministerial visit from India since 1981. This illustrates an opportunity for both nations to refresh and modernize their historical ties. Kuwaiti-Indian relations have traditionally been strong, fueled by trade and a substantial Indian expatriate community that contributes to Kuwait’s economy. The timing of this visit responds to ongoing discussions regarding inducing various new agreements such as a bilateral investment treaty and defense cooperation, aimed at fostering economic and strategic ties in response to a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape in the Gulf region and beyond.
In essence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait signifies a pivotal step toward reinforcing India-Kuwait relations. By engaging in high-level discussions and addressing the Indian community abroad, this visit aims to foster deeper economic and cultural ties, while also potentially unveiling new avenues for cooperation. The long-standing friendship between the two nations is anticipated to evolve further through strategic partnerships and mutual benefits across various sectors.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
