Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Kuwait today – the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Gulf nation in 43 years. The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981. The historic visit by the prime minister is expected to open a new chapter in India-Kuwait bilateral relations, according to the MEA.
During his stay, PM Modi will hold talks with the top Kuwaiti leadership, visit an Indian labour camp, and attend the opening ceremony of the Gulf Cup football tournament.
Here are key points on this big story:
- India and Kuwait will try to strengthen ties in a range of key areas including defence and trade during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to the Gulf nation beginning Saturday.
- The two countries are also holding discussions on a bilateral investment treaty and a defence cooperation pact. At a media briefing prior to PM visit, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs) in the MEA, said a few bilateral documents are expected to be firmed up during the prime minister’s visit.
- “It will not only consolidate the partnership in existing spheres but also unveil new avenues for future cooperation, reinforce our shared values and build a more stronger and dynamic partnership for the future,” he added.
- The visit will help India boost its ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Kuwait is the current chair of the influencial grouping comprising the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar.
- The total volume of India’s trade with GCC countries stood at USD 184.46 billion in the financial year 2022-23. India is holding negotiations with the GCC for a free trade pact.
- PM Modi will also visit a labour camp in Kuwait to express the importance given by the government to Indian workers in the country. Over 45 Indians were killed in devastating fire in a building housing foreign workers in southern Kuwait’s Mangaf locality in June.
- The prime minister is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Besides meeting the Emir, Modi will also hold talks with the Kuwaiti Crown Prince and the prime minister.
