Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a historic two-day visit to Kuwait, attending the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as the guest of honour. He met with the Emir of Kuwait and addressed the Indian diaspora, praising their contributions and inviting them to participate in India’s development. This marks the first visit of an Indian Premier to Kuwait in 43 years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a historic two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first visit by an Indian Premier in 43 years. During this trip, he attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup, where he served as the guest of honour and met with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City. In a message shared on social media, PM Modi expressed pleasure in meeting the Emir during this significant event.
The Arabian Gulf Cup is a notable biennial football tournament that features eight participating countries comprising Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, Iraq, and Yemen. The host nation, Kuwait, has a storied history with the tournament, having secured the title multiple times. PM Modi extended his best wishes to all the teams competing in this prestigious event, which is recognized as one of the region’s leading sporting occasions.
Prior to the commencement of the football tournament, Prime Minister Modi addressed a large assembly of the Indian diaspora during a special event dubbed ‘Hala Modi’ at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex. He commended the Indian community for their invaluable contributions to Kuwait’s socio-economic landscape, highlighting the potential of India to emerge as the “skill capital of the world.” Modi remarked that Indians in Kuwait have enriched the cultural tapestry of the nation, blending Indian skills into Kuwaiti society.
Modi took this opportunity to encourage his compatriots to actively partake in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by the year 2047. Acknowledging the presence of a diverse Indian population, he referred to Kuwait as a “mini-Hindustan,” reflecting on the unity and strength of the Indian community in the Gulf region. Following this engagement, PM Modi is set to hold discussions with the Emir, the Crown Prince, and the Kuwaiti Prime Minister, further solidifying the diplomatic rapport between India and Kuwait.
The Arabian Gulf Cup is a prestigious football tournament that has been held since 1970, featuring teams from across the Arabian Peninsula. This tournament not only showcases athletic talent but also fosters camaraderie among participating nations, enhancing diplomatic ties in the region. Kuwait, as the host, holds a pivotal role in the organization of this event, which sees attractions from thousands of sports enthusiasts. Additionally, the Indian diaspora in Kuwait is significant, contributing greatly to both economies and cultural interchanges, which Prime Minister Modi recognized during his engagement with them.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait is significant, not merely as a diplomatic endeavor but also as a celebration of the contributions of the Indian community. His attendance at the Arabian Gulf Cup emphasizes India’s position in regional sports, while his outreach to the Indian diaspora underscores the importance of their role in fostering good relations between the two nations. The forthcoming discussions between Modi and Kuwaiti leadership are expected to strengthen bilateral ties even further.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
