Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant visit to Kuwait, marking the first by an Indian PM in 43 years. He received a ceremonial welcome and emphasized the importance of bilateral trade, cultural ties, and the Indian diaspora. Modi expressed interest in enhancing investments and cooperation across various sectors, aiming to elevate India-Kuwait relations to a strategic partnership.
During his historical two-day state visit to Kuwait, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome, marking a significant diplomatic milestone as he becomes the first Indian prime minister to visit the Gulf nation in 43 years. At the Bayan Palace, PM Modi was honored with a guard of honour, where he engaged with key Kuwaiti leaders including Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The visit emphasizes the strong and historical ties between India and Kuwait, which span back centuries, including past economic integrations such as the Indian Rupee being a legal tender in Kuwait until 1961.
In his interactions, PM Modi highlighted the importance of bilateral trade and cultural connections, pointing out that India and Kuwait have a long-standing relationship founded on friendship and mutual respect. He expressed pride in the increasing presence of ‘Made in India’ products in Kuwait and discussed the potential for diversifying trade toward non-oil sectors, stressing that “diversification to non-oil trade is key to achieving greater bilateral trade.”
Moreover, he acknowledged the contributions of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, which constitutes the largest expatriate community in the country, with more than one million Indians. Modi remarked on the investment opportunities present for Kuwaiti investors in India, indicative of India’s rapid growth into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Through his discussions, he conveyed a hopeful tone towards enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including defense, trade, investment, and energy, aiming to elevate the relationship to a strategic partnership.
PM Modi also noted the cultural ties between the two nations, remarking on the popularity of Indian cinema in Kuwait and the similarities in culinary traditions. He referred to a Kuwaiti scholar who recently translated significant Indian epics into Arabic, highlighting the shared cultural values of peace and coexistence. The Prime Minister firmly believes that the Indian community’s role in deepening Kuwait-India relations will be increasingly crucial as both countries work towards a partnership that not only drives economic growth but also fosters a greater cultural understanding between the two peoples.
The article discusses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Kuwait, which holds historical importance as it marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the Gulf state in 43 years. The visit underscores the strengthening of bilateral relations between India and Kuwait, focusing on trade, investment, cultural exchange, and cooperation in various sectors. It highlights the Prime Minister’s interactions with Indian expatriates and his discussions with Kuwaiti leaders on enhancing collaboration, especially in non-oil trade and cultural ties, which reflect a longstanding and friendly relationship between the two nations.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait symbolizes a significant step in enhancing the historical and cultural ties between India and the Gulf nation. His discussions emphasized the importance of diversifying trade relations, strengthening investments, and recognizing the contributions of the Indian community in Kuwait. As both nations strive for a strategic partnership based on mutual interests and shared values, the potential for collaboration across various sectors appears promising and holds great prospects for the future.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
