Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait marked a historic diplomatic engagement aimed at fostering bilateral ties, promoting non-oil trade, and celebrating the Indian community. Emphasizing labor welfare and cultural diplomacy, the visit included meetings with Indian expatriates and significant leaders to discuss expanding cooperation in various sectors.
During his significant two-day visit to Kuwait, Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on enhancing bilateral relations, diversifying non-oil trade, and recognizing the contributions of the Indian diaspora. Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait in 43 years, engaged in various activities to solidify these goals.
The visit commenced with a grand reception led by Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah and numerous dignitaries. Prime Minister Modi began by visiting a labor camp in Mina Abdullah, showing concern for the welfare of Indian workers abroad. His discussions with workers emphasized the importance of their living and working conditions.
During his visit, Modi met with key figures including Abdullah Al Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al Nesef, discussing their translations of Indian epics into Arabic. Additionally, at the request of a family member, Modi made time to meet 101-year-old former IFS officer Mangal Sen Handa, highlighting his approachability and respect for the elderly.
The centerpiece of the day was the ‘Hala Modi’ event at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex, where Modi addressed the Indian diaspora, praising their role as a significant part of Kuwait’s society. He referred to the approximately one million Indians living in Kuwait as a “mini-Hindustan,” showcasing the integration of Indian culture within the local community. Modi expressed gratitude to the Kuwaiti leadership for their welfare policies targeting Indian nationals and encouraged participation in upcoming cultural and religious events.
The Prime Minister also attended the opening of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as the Guest of Honour, where informal discussions with key Kuwaiti leaders set the stage for deeper engagements. Modi stressed the necessity of diversifying trade with Kuwait, advocating for cooperation in pharmaceuticals, health, technology, and textiles, along with significant areas such as defense and energy.
Highlighting India’s stature as a leader in global concerns, he emphasized India’s commitment to supporting the Global South, asserting that India is a steadfast partner in development and crisis response, reinforcing its position as a proponent of inclusive growth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait represents a continuation of India’s strategy to engage more deeply with Gulf nations, emphasizing the importance of Indian expatriates and the need for non-oil trade. The visit not only marks a diplomatic milestone but also seeks to enhance the existing ties in various sectors, reflecting a broader trend in Indian foreign policy aiming at greater global engagement and economic diversification in relation to oil-dependent economies in the region.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait symbolizes a pivotal step in fostering robust bilateral relations, focusing on trade diversification and honoring the contributions of the Indian diaspora. His engagements and discussions reflect India’s intent to play a crucial role in the Global South and enhance mutual cooperation across various sectors, paving the way for future collaborations with major Gulf nations.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
