File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. | Photo credit: PTI
Official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday (December 20, 2024) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kuwait from December 21 to 22.
Mr. Modi’s two-day visit to Kuwait will help usher in a new chapter in bilateral relations, the MEA said.
Mr. Jaiswal said, “During the trip, Prime Minister Modi will visit a labor camp hosting Indian migrant workers.”
“Mr. Modi will also hold bilateral talks with the Crown Prince and Emir of Kuwait,” added Mr. Jaiswal.
The MEA added that “we are looking to strengthen ties in many areas, including defense and trade.”
Modi made the visit at the invitation of Sheikh Mesal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait.
The last Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981.
India is Kuwait’s top trading partner. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait.
Kuwait is one of India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade worth $10.47 billion in FY 2023-24.
Kuwait is India’s sixth largest crude supplier, meeting 3 percent of the country’s energy needs.
Indian exports to Kuwait have reached $2 billion for the first time, while Kuwait Investment Authority’s investment in India has crossed $10 billion.
India and Kuwait have traditionally enjoyed friendly relations, with maritime trade with India being the backbone of its economy when oil was tied to the former Kuwait.
Kuwait’s economy revolved around its good harbor and maritime activities including shipbuilding, pearl diving, fishing and wooden dhows carrying dates, Arabian horses and pearls which were traded for timber, grain, cloth and spices. Relations between the two nations.
The Indian rupee remained legal tender in Kuwait until 1961, a symbol of enduring economic and cultural ties.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were formally established in 1961, with India initially represented by a trade commissioner.
Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah paid a private visit to India in July 2017.
The last high-level visit from both sides was the Kuwaiti Prime Minister’s visit to India in 2013.
(with PTI input)
published – Dec 20, 2024 04:55 pm IST