Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister in 43 years. He attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup and met with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah. Modi also addressed the Indian diaspora, praising their contributions to Kuwaiti society and inviting them to aid in India’s development by 2047.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently undertaking a significant two-day visit to Kuwait—the first by an Indian premier in 43 years. During this visit, he attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as the esteemed ‘guest of honour’ and had a meeting with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah. The event was held at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City, marking a notable diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
This trip, initiated at the invitation of the Kuwaiti Emir, is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight at meeting His Highness the Amir during the opening ceremony. In a post shared on X, he stated, “Glad to have met His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah during the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup.”
The Arabian Gulf Cup, which attracts participation from eight countries including the GCC nations, Iraq, and Yemen, is a notable regional sporting event. As the most successful team in this tournament’s history, Kuwait holds special pride in being the host nation. Prime Minister Modi extended his best wishes to all participating nations, underscoring the unifying spirit that such sports events foster.
Before the ceremony, Premier Modi addressed a large gathering of the Indian diaspora at a special event named ‘Hala Modi’, hosted at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex. He acknowledged the significant contributions of the Indian community to Kuwait and lauded their integration into the local culture. Modi asserted that Indians have infused their skills into Kuwaiti society, stating, “You have filled the canvas of Kuwait with the colors of Indian skills.”
He further elaborated on India’s potential to become the “skill capital of the world” and called upon the diaspora to play an active role in transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. Emphasizing Kuwait’s importance to the Indian diaspora, he described the community as a “mini-Hindustan” demonstrating a vibrant diversity that enriches local society.
On the following day, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to engage in further discussions with key Kuwaiti leaders, including the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, aimed at strengthening the relationships and enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kuwait is a landmark event, marking the first official trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. This visit occurs within the broader context of strengthening Indo-Kuwaiti relations, particularly in terms of economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and the significant presence of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait. The Arabian Gulf Cup serves as a platform not only for sports but also for diplomatic dialogue, allowing the leaders to engage in informal discussions on various mutual interests.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait represents a pivotal opportunity to enhance Indo-Kuwaiti relations, particularly through cultural, economic, and sporting initiatives. His engagement with the Emir of Kuwait during the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup emphasizes the importance of such diplomatic interactions in fostering mutual respect and collaboration. Furthermore, Modi’s address to the Indian diaspora highlights their significant role in Kuwait and reinforces India’s vision as a global player moving towards development by 2047.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
