Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic two-day visit to Kuwait, attending the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup and meeting with Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He also engaged with the Indian diaspora and praised their contribution to Kuwaiti society, while looking ahead to further discussions with Kuwaiti leadership to strengthen bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant 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 as the guest of honour, held at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City. Additionally, he met with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, offering a platform for informal discussions between the two leaders.
In a post shared on X, PM Modi expressed his pleasure in meeting the Emir, further emphasizing the importance of this engagement. The Arabian Gulf Cup, a biennial football tournament, features eight nations including members from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iraq, and Yemen, and holds significant cultural prominence in the region. Kuwait, as the host nation, is a five-time winner of the tournament and is favored to perform well in the current edition.
Earlier in his visit, Prime Minister Modi addressed a gathering of the Indian diaspora at a special event titled ‘Hala Modi’ hosted at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex. He commended the contributions of the Indian community in Kuwait, highlighting their vital role in integrating Indian skills into Kuwaiti society. Emphasizing the potential of India to become the “skill capital of the world,” he acknowledged the influence of Indian professionals in various fields including education and infrastructure development.
Looking ahead, PM Modi is scheduled to meet key Kuwaiti officials, including the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, to further strengthen the ties between India and Kuwait. Through these interactions, he aims to reinforce India’s commitment to international collaboration and development as it progresses towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kuwait holds historic significance as it is the first by an Indian prime minister in over four decades. This trip underscores India’s growing diplomatic engagement with the Gulf region, which is home to a large Indian expatriate community. The Arabian Gulf Cup serves as an important cultural and sporting event that fosters regional solidarity and celebrates football, a sport that enjoys tremendous popularity. Modi’s dialogue with Kuwaiti leadership aims to enhance bilateral relations and promote India’s role on the global stage. Kuwait has a longstanding relationship with India, characterized by strong economic ties, significant Indian labor presence, and cultural exchanges. The Kuwaiti government values its diverse expatriate workforce, particularly from India, which contributes significantly to various sectors of the economy.
In summary, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait marks a historic moment for India-Kuwait relations, highlighted by attendance at the Arabian Gulf Cup opening ceremony and a meeting with the Emir. His engagement with the Indian diaspora illustrates the pivotal role of expatriates in enhancing India’s global presence. Additionally, the forthcoming meetings with Kuwaiti leadership are poised to further solidify the bilateral partnership, paving the way for collaborative initiatives to foster growth and development in both nations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
