During the Prime Minister’s visit to Kuwait for the first time in 43 years, Narendra Modi said that India and the Gulf countries have a common interest in the peace, security and stability of the West Asian region.
Before his departure, the Prime Minister said: “India, Kuwait are not only strong trade and energy partners, but also share common interest in peace, security and stability in West Asia.”
The visit comes weeks after regime change in Syria plunged the West Asian region into deep crisis after President Bashar al-Assad fled the country after rebels took over his government. Israel’s offensive on Gaza also continues, adding to tensions in the region.
Emphasizing the historic ties between India and Kuwait, Prime Minister Modi said, “We deeply appreciate the historic ties with Kuwait that have been growing for generations.”
Modi also thanked the Kuwaiti leadership for inviting them to the inauguration of the Arabian Gulf Cup. “I look forward to being a part of this celebration of athletic excellence and regional unity,” a statement issued by the prime minister said.
At the invitation of the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mesal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with the Emir and Crown Prince of Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah.
Prime Minister Modi will be given a formal guard of honor at the Bayan Palace (Emir’s Palace), after which he will meet the Emir and the Crown Prince separately. During the visit, delegation-level talks will also be held with the Prime Minister of Kuwait.
PM Modi will review with the leadership of Kuwait the entire spectrum of our bilateral relations – trade, investment, energy, culture, and people-to-people relations – and the steps required by both sides to further enhance them, MEA. Said before.
Prime Minister Modi is also planning to visit Indian labor camps to express solidarity with the Indian labor force working in the country. In early June this year, around 40 Indian workers died when an apartment in Mangaf, south of Kuwait City, caught fire.
With a million-strong diaspora and the largest expatriate community in Kuwait, Indians make up 21 percent of Kuwait’s population and 30 percent of its workforce. Be it carpenters, masons, domestic workers, fabricators, drivers or food delivery riders and courier delivery boys – Kuwait’s dependence on the Indian workforce is huge.
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