Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kuwait for the first time in 43 years, meeting the Indian community and the translators of the Ramayana and Mahabharata in Arabic. His visit aims to strengthen India-Kuwait relations, focusing on trade, security, and cultural connections. Modi expressed optimism for future collaborations and recognized the contributions of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister in 43 years. His arrival was met with warm gestures from the Indian community, and he met with Abdulla Al Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al Nesef, the translators and publishers of the Arabic versions of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, respectively. During his visit, he emphasized the importance of the India-Kuwait relationship and anticipated fruitful discussions with Kuwaiti leadership, focusing on mutual collaboration toward a forward-thinking partnership.
Further, Prime Minister Modi had an emotional meeting with Mangal Sain Handa, a 101-year-old retired Indian Foreign Service officer, who had expressed a desire to meet him on social media. Modi expressed optimism regarding the discussions planned with Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah and Kuwaiti royals, regarding both nations’ shared interests in security and economic prosperity. Notably, he is attending the inauguration of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup during his visit.
India remains a vital trading partner for Kuwait, with an Indian expatriate community constituting approximately 21% of Kuwait’s population. The Indian community also makes up a significant portion of Kuwait’s workforce, particularly in private and domestic sectors. With bilateral trade reaching over $10 billion in 2023-24, including critical crude oil supplies, the relationship between the two nations is robust and historically nourished, dating back to pre-oil trade ties. Citizens of India and Kuwait look forward to enhanced collaboration in various sectors, particularly energy and commerce.
The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kuwait holds historical significance as it marks the first engagement by an Indian prime minister since Indira Gandhi’s visit in 1981. This visit encompasses crucial meetings with India’s largest expatriate community in Kuwait and with the Kuwaiti leadership to strengthen bilateral relations. Trade and energy are significant elements of this relationship, with India being among the top trading partners of Kuwait, and a considerable number of Indians residing and working in the country. The translated Arabic versions of Indian epics signify cultural exchanges as well as the historical ties the countries share.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait symbolizes a renewed commitment to bolster India-Kuwait relationships across various sectors. With a substantial Indian diaspora in Kuwait contributing to the economy, the discussions anticipated will likely pave the way for deeper cooperation in trade, energy, and cultural connections. This engagement not only reinforces historical ties but also positions both nations favorably for future collaboration and mutual growth.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
