Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Kuwait is significant as it is the first by an Indian PM in 43 years. He met with key figures involved in the Arabic translations of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as the local Indian community. Modi’s visit aims to strengthen diplomatic relations, focusing on trade, energy, and cultural connections between India and Kuwait.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kuwait for a two-day visit, marking the first such visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. During his stay, he engaged with the local Indian community and held discussions with Kuwaiti leadership. A highlight was meeting Abdulla Al Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al Nesef, translators and publishers of the Arabic versions of the Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Prime Minister emphasized the historical ties between India and Kuwait and expressed enthusiasm for outlining a collaborative roadmap for future relations. He also met Mangal Sain Handa, a retired Indian Foreign Service officer, who had requested a meeting. PM Modi’s trip is expected to enhance diplomatic and economic ties, given that India is a significant trading partner for Kuwait and houses the largest expatriate community in the country, constituting approximately 21% of its population.
India and Kuwait have a longstanding relationship, historically rooted in maritime trade, which has evolved into a strong bilateral partnership in various sectors including trade, energy, and security. With India being Kuwait’s top trading partner and the largest expatriate group in the country, the Prime Minister’s visit is particularly significant. This visit comes at a time when Kuwait accounts for 3% of India’s energy needs and the bilateral trade figures are robust, reaching $10.47 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, underscoring the importance of these ties. PM Modi’s initiative aims to reaffirm and strengthen this relationship during his visit.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait is poised to solidify the long-standing relationship between the two nations. The engagement with the Kuwaiti leadership and Indian expatriates highlights the mutual respect and shared interests that have developed over decades. As India continues to navigate its partnerships in the Gulf region, this visit serves as an integral step in promoting peace, stability, and economic prosperity, benefiting both Kuwait and India. The discussions on future collaborations reflect a commitment to further deepen these important ties.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
