PM Modi’s Historic Kuwait Visit: First Indian PM to Visit in 43 Years

key Points –

1. PM Modi’s Kuwait visit is the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, strengthening historical ties.
2. The visit focuses on boosting trade, investment, defence, and energy cooperation with Kuwait.
3. PM Modi will engage with 4,000-5,000 Indian expatriates at the ‘Hala Modi’ diaspora event.
4. Discussions will include advancing India-GCC ties and negotiating a free trade agreement.
5. A visit to a labour camp highlights India’s commitment to the welfare of Indian workers abroad.

Kuwait, Dec 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a landmark two-day visit to Kuwait on Saturday, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. This historic trip is expected to bolster bilateral ties, expand cooperation in key areas, and enhance India’s engagement with the Gulf region.

During the visit, PM Modi will hold high-level talks with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince, and his counterpart. The discussions will cover the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade, investment, energy, defence, culture, and people-to-people connections. Agreements in areas such as defence cooperation and a bilateral investment treaty are likely to be finalized, signaling a new phase of collaboration.

A significant moment of the visit will be PM Modi’s participation in the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup, a prominent football tournament. Additionally, he will address nearly 5,000 Indians at the ‘Hala Modi’ diaspora event, celebrating the contributions of the 10-lakh-strong Indian community in Kuwait—the largest expatriate group in the country.

PM Modi’s visit to an Indian labour camp is another crucial highlight. This gesture underscores the Indian government’s commitment to the welfare of Indian workers abroad, especially in the wake of the tragic Mangaf fire in June, which claimed over 45 Indian lives. The Indian government has since strengthened oversight to ensure safer living conditions for workers in Kuwait.

Kuwait is one of India’s key trading partners in the Gulf. In the financial year 2023-24, bilateral trade stood at $10.47 billion, while India’s total trade with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations reached $184.46 billion in 2022-23. With Kuwait currently chairing the GCC, this visit is expected to further India’s efforts to finalize a free trade agreement with the influential six-nation bloc.

Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs), described the visit as a pivotal moment that will “open a new chapter” in India-Kuwait relations. “It will consolidate existing partnerships while unveiling new opportunities for cooperation,” he said, highlighting the government’s focus on building a dynamic and inclusive bilateral relationship.

The last Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981. PM Modi’s visit not only marks a historic milestone but also reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Kuwait and the broader Gulf region.