India and Kuwait have constantly stood by each other: PM Modi

AMN / KUWAIT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India and Kuwait have consistently stood by each other. The Prime Minister reached Kuwait City today on a two-day visit to the West Asian country.

Addressing the Indian diaspora at the ‘Hala Modi’ event held at Kuwait’s Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex, Mr Modi lauded the Indian community’s contributions to Kuwait’s progress and their strong reputation among the Kuwaiti government and citizens. Highlighting India’s global leadership in remittances, he attributed this success to the dedication and hard work of overseas Indians, including those in Kuwait.

The Prime Minister emphasized the alignment between Kuwait’s ambitions and India’s capabilities, stating, “Kuwait, through trade and innovation, wants to be a dynamic economy. He said, India has the skill, technology, innovation, and manpower that ‘New Kuwait’ needs.” Mr Modi said India is well-equipped to meet the world’s demand for skilled talent.

He spotlighted India’s achievements as the world’s fifth-largest economy, a global leader in fintech, and the third-largest player in the startup ecosystem.

Mr. Modi also showcased India’s advancements in technology, including initiatives like the E-Migrate portal to support Indian workers in the Gulf region. Presenting India as a Vishwabandhu , he underscored the nation’s progress in financial inclusion, women-led development, and digital connectivity. Reflecting on shared aspirations, he spoke of Viksit Bharat and New Kuwait, identifying significant opportunities for collaboration. He noted that India’s skillsets and innovation could foster robust partnerships between the two countries. The Prime Minister extended a special invitation to diaspora members to attend Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and the Maha Kumbh in January 2025.

This historic visit, made at the invitation of Kuwait’s Amir, seeks to strengthen the enduring friendship between the two nations. Mr. Modi expressed gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership for their support of the Indian community and highlighted the potential for enhanced collaboration across various sectors. Later in the day PM is  also set to attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as a special guest of the Emir of Kuwait.

Earlier, the Prime Minister visited the Gulf Spic Labour Camp and met Indian workers in Kuwait. Mr Modi met Indian diaspora and 101-year-old former Indian Foreign Service officer Mangal Sain Handa in Kuwait City. Prime Minister also met with Abdullah Al Baroun, who has translated both the Ramayana and Mahabharata into Arabic, and Abdul Lateef Al Nesef, who has published their Arabic versions. The Prime Minister had previously acknowledged their cultural contributions in his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio address.     

Tomorrow, Mr Modi will be accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace following which he will be holding separate meetings with the Emir of Kuwait and the crown Prince of Kuwait. There will be delegation-level talks with the Prime Minister of Kuwait as well.

This visit marks the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. It aims to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in various sectors.