“PM Modi’s Landmark Kuwait Visit: Strengthening Ties and Celebrating Unity”

New Delhi [India], December 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant two-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait. This marks the first visit by any Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years.

The visit assumes great importance, as PM Modi is set to attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as a special guest of the Emir. Additionally, he will engage with the Indian diaspora during the ‘Hala Modi’ community event at the Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Sports Complex.

Speaking ahead of his visit, PM Modi emphasized the historical and cultural ties between India and Kuwait. In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his eagerness to meet Kuwait’s leadership and interact with the Indian community, stating, “This visit will deepen India’s historical linkages with Kuwait. I look forward to meeting His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister of Kuwait. This evening, I will be interacting with the Indian community and will also attend the inauguration ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup.”

Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (CPV and OIA), Arun Kumar Chatterjee, highlighted the importance of this visit, describing it as a landmark moment in the diplomatic relationship between the two nations. Chatterjee noted the “excellent political relations between the two countries” and emphasized that this historic visit could open new avenues for collaboration.

During his visit, PM Modi will be accorded a ceremonial guard of honor at the Bayan Palace, the Emir’s official residence. He will hold high-level meetings with the Emir and the Crown Prince, Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah. Discussions will encompass political, trade, investment, energy, and cultural ties. Delegation-level talks with the Prime Minister of Kuwait are also on the agenda.

The visit also includes PM Modi’s interaction with the Indian community, which numbers over one million in Kuwait. A special visit to a labor camp has been scheduled, underscoring the Indian government’s commitment to the welfare of its workers abroad. Addressing this aspect, Chatterjee stated, “The idea of the visit to the labor camp is to express the amount of importance the government of India attaches to our workers who are working in a foreign country.”

This visit is expected to significantly strengthen India’s relationship with Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It aims to consolidate existing ties while exploring new opportunities for collaboration, fostering shared values, and paving the way for a robust and dynamic partnership.

The Crown Prince will host a state banquet in honor of PM Modi, marking the visit as a momentous step forward in Indo-Kuwaiti relations.