2024-12-23 09:29:00
In an interview with the Kuwait News Agency on Saturday, PM Modi highlighted the need for diversification into non-oil trade, including the fields of pharmaceuticals, health, technology, digital innovation, and textiles. He also emphasized that in his meeting with the Amir, the focus would be on elevating bilateral ties in areas including defense, trade, investment, and energy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a historic two-day visit to Kuwait. He is the first Indian leader to visit the Gulf nation in 43 years since Indira Gandhi.
Grand Welcome, Warm Gestures
On his first day, after being warmly welcomed by Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah and a host of ministers and dignitaries, the Indian Prime Minister began his program with a visit to a labour camp in the Mina Abdullah area of Kuwait. Highlighting the importance of the welfare of Indian workers abroad, the Prime Minister enquired about the well-being of the workers and their working and living conditions in the camp.
Earlier, he met with Abdullah Al Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al Nesef after his arrival. Baroun has translated both Ramayana and Mahabharata into Arabic, which have been published by Abdul Lateef. The Prime Minister referred to these efforts in his radio program, Mann Ki Baat.
In a display of regard for popular requests, PM Modi also met with the Kuwait-based 101-year-old ex-IFS officer Mangal Sen Handa. Handa’s granddaughter, Shreya Juneja, had requested the PM to meet her grandfather in a post on the platform X, to which the leader responded positively.
‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ Echoes Through Kuwait’s Sports Complex
This was followed by attending a gathering of the Indian diaspora at a special ‘Hala Modi’ event in Kuwait, discreetly reminiscent of the ‘Howdy Modi’ 2019 U.S. diaspora event. Speaking at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex, PM Modi praised the diaspora’s contribution to global growth. He referred to the one million Indians in Kuwait – the largest expatriate community in the nation – as a ‘mini-Hindustan’, which has given a unique Indian touch to Kuwaiti society.
Alongside appreciating the hard work, achievements, and contributions of the Indian diaspora, PM Modi thanked the leadership of Kuwait for their welfare policies for the Indian community. The Prime Minister shared India’s achievements and growth trajectory and invited attendees to participate in the upcoming Maha Kumbh and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
Setting the Stage for Serious Talks
He later attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as the Amir’s ‘Guest of Honour’. He was joined by the Crown Prince as well as Kuwait’s Prime Minister.
This informal meeting between the four leaders set the stage for more formal talks to take place today.
In an interview with the Kuwait News Agency, PM Modi highlighted the need for diversification into non-oil trade, including the fields of pharmaceuticals, health, technology, digital innovation, and textiles. He also emphasized that in his meeting with the Amir, the focus would be on elevating bilateral ties in areas including defense, trade, investment, and energy.
The Indian Prime Minister also highlighted the leadership role played by India in advocating the concerns of the Global South amidst shared aspirations.
He hailed India as a reliable development partner for the Global South, a first responder in times of crises, a leader on climate action, and a champion of inclusive growth and development.
PM Modi In Kuwait, PM MODI, Global News, Kuwait
