Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed on Saturday morning for a landmark two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, aims to strengthen and chart a roadmap for a forward-looking partnership between the two nations.
“I look forward to my meetings with His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister of Kuwait. It would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of our people and the region,” PM Modi said before his departure.
During the visit, PM Modi will engage in high-level talks with Kuwait’s top leadership, including discussions on bolstering bilateral ties. His agenda includes visiting an Indian labour camp, addressing the Indian diaspora, and attending the inauguration of the Gulf Cup football tournament.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi expressed enthusiasm about meeting the Indian community in Kuwait, who have played a significant role in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two nations. He also conveyed gratitude to the Kuwaiti leadership for inviting him to the Arabian Gulf Cup’s opening ceremony, describing the event as a celebration of athletic excellence and regional unity.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed that key discussions during the visit would center on a bilateral investment treaty and a defence cooperation pact. “The historic visit by the prime minister is expected to open a new chapter in India-Kuwait bilateral relations,” said Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs) in the MEA.
Chatterjee highlighted that the visit would not only consolidate existing partnerships but also explore new avenues of cooperation, reinforcing shared values and strengthening ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC, which includes the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, is a vital economic and strategic partner for India.
A significant aspect of PM Modi’s visit will be his engagement with Indian workers in Kuwait. The prime minister is set to visit a labour camp, underscoring the Indian government’s commitment to the welfare of its overseas workers. “The idea of the visit is to express the amount of importance the government of India attaches to our workers,” Chatterjee stated.
This visit follows a tragic fire in June in Mangaf, southern Kuwait, where over 45 Indians lost their lives in a building housing foreign workers. The government’s efforts to prioritize worker welfare have gained renewed emphasis in light of such incidents.
PM Modi’s visit is expected to culminate in the signing of several bilateral agreements, paving the way for a stronger, more dynamic partnership. It also aims to enhance India’s ties with the GCC, reaffirming the country’s role as a key partner in the Gulf region.
“This visit will strengthen and reinforce the special ties and bonds of friendship between the people of India and Kuwait,” PM Modi said, expressing confidence in the outcomes of this historic trip.
