Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Kuwait City today, commencing a historic two-day visit. He received a warm welcome at his arrival and was received by Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah and several other Ministers and dignitaries at the airport. In a social media post, Mr Modi said his visit will strengthen the India-Kuwait friendship across various sectors.
It marks the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. The visit, at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, aims to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in various sectors.
Upon arrival, Modi was warmly received by members of the Indian diaspora and met with 101-year-old former Indian Foreign Service officer Mangal Sain Handa in Kuwait City. PM also met with Abdullah Al Baroun, who has translated both the Ramayana and Mahabharata into Arabic, and Abdul Lateef Al Nesef, who has published their Arabic versions. The Prime Minister had previously acknowledged their cultural contributions in his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio address.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to receive a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace before holding high-level meetings with Kuwait’s Amir and Crown Prince. Later in the day, Modi will engage with the Indian diaspora at the ‘Ahlan Modi’ community event, hosted at the Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Sports Complex. He is also set to attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as a special guest of the Emir of Kuwait.
In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said that India deeply values the historical connection with Kuwait that has been nurtured over generations. He added that both nations are not just strong trade and energy partners, but also have a shared interest in peace, security, stability and prosperity in the West Asia region.
