Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Kuwait, the first by an Indian premier in 43 years, participating in the Arabian Gulf Cup opening ceremony and engaging with the Emir of Kuwait. He addressed the Indian diaspora, acknowledging their contributions and India’s potential as a global skill leader.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is undertaking a historic two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first trip by an Indian premier to the Gulf nation in over four decades. During this visit, he attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium as the distinguished guest of honour. PM Modi met with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, fostering essential informal interactions between the two leaders at this notable sporting event.
In addition to attending the Arabian Gulf Cup, PM Modi addressed a gathering of the Indian diaspora during a special event dubbed ‘Hala Modi’ at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex. During his speech, he acknowledged the significant contributions of the Indian community towards the global growth narrative and emphasized India’s ambition to become the “skill capital of the world.” The Prime Minister expressed pride in the Indian community’s deep-rooted presence in Kuwait, calling it a “mini-Hindustan.”
On the competitive front, the Arabian Gulf Cup is a key biennial football tournament consisting of eight countries, including those from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iraq, and Yemen. Kuwait, as the host nation, has a distinguished record, having won the tournament multiple times. PM Modi extended his best wishes to all participating teams, highlighting the sporting spirit that connects nations.
The Prime Minister’s itinerary also includes further high-level meetings with the Emir and other Kuwaiti leaders, emphasizing India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. His visit is not only a celebration of sports but also a pivotal moment for diplomatic engagement in the region, showcasing India’s growing influence and the importance of the Indian diaspora.
This visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is significant as it reflects India’s diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with Gulf nations, particularly Kuwait, which has a large Indian diaspora contributing to its economy. The Arabian Gulf Cup is a prominent sporting event in the region, thus the Prime Minister’s presence underscores India’s involvement in cultural exchanges. Historically, high-level visits such as this one foster collaboration in various sectors including trade, culture, and technology, reinforcing mutual respect and partnership.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait represents a milestone in India-Kuwait relations, marking the first official engagement by an Indian premier in 43 years. His attendance at the Arabian Gulf Cup opening ceremony and interactions with the Emir highlight the importance of cultural and sporting diplomacy. Furthermore, addressing the Indian diaspora reflects the significance of their contributions and the strong bonds between the two nations, paving the way for future collaborations and mutual growth.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com