Modi embarks on historic Kuwait visit, aims for 'futuristic partnership'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi--just before departing for Kuwait--on Saturday said his visit would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership between the two countries.

Modi would be in Kuwait for two days and it is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. In a statement before leaving the country, the PM described the visit saying: "It would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of our people and the region."

On India-Kuwait relations, Modi said: "We are not just strong trade and energy partners, but also have shared interest in peace, security, stability and prosperity in the West Asia."

Modi said he was confident that the visit would further strengthen and reinforce the special ties and bonds of friendship.

"We deeply value the historical connection with Kuwait that has been nurtured over generations," the PM added.

On Saturday, Modi is scheduled to meet the Indian diaspora and he expressed that he eagerly looked forward to meeting the diaspora.

"(They) have immensely contributed to strengthening of bonds of friendship between the two nations," Modi added.

There is a million strong Indian diaspora in Kuwait. ​Modi thanked the leadership of Kuwait for inviting him, on Saturday , to the inauguration ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup. The Ministry of External Affairs said Modi would be guest of honour at the event. Also, on Saturday, Modi would visit Gulf Spic Labour Camp and meet Indian workers. In June this year 46 Indians had died following a fire at another labour camp.

The Ministry of External Affairs said PM Modi is visiting Kuwait on the invitation of Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Jaber Al Sabah.

Modi would be accorded ceremonial guard of honour at Amir’s Bayan Palace following which he would hold discussions with the leadership of Kuwait. A bilateral is scheduled with Modi's counterpart Ahmad Al-Sabah and some MoU's are expected.

Kuwait is among India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade at US $ 10.47 billion in financial year 2023-24. Kuwait is India’s 6th largest crude supplier, meeting 3 per cent of the country’s energy needs. Indian exports to Kuwait reached US $ 2 billion for the first time. Investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceed US $ 10 billion.

The two nations share a robust trade and vibrant cultural connections.

Traditionally, India and Kuwait have enjoyed friendly relations, with links dating back to Kuwait’s pre-oil economy when maritime trade with India was the backbone of its economy. The diplomatic relations between India and Kuwait were established in 1961.

Earlier this year, PM Modi and Kuwait’s Crown Prince held meeting on the sidelines of UNGA in September. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also held meeting with his Kuwaiti counterpart this year in August.

Both the countries have institutionalized their cooperation through mechanisms such as the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC).