PM Narendra Modi in Kuwait: Guard of Honour on Day 2, Strengthens Gulf Ties

PM Narendra Modi in Kuwait: The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, was garlanded on ceremonial welcome by and guard of honour observed in Kuwait, during his two-day state official trip to the Gulf country.

Modi's visit is the first-ever visit by an Indian prime minister to a Gulf country after a lapse of 43 years. This invitation has been offered to Modi, who is the premier of India, for visiting the state of Kuwait by the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah.

Ceremonial guard of honour was given to Modi at Bayan Palace, Kuwait. The ceremony noted in the attendance of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah.

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External affairs ministry spokesperson also shared the details about the meeting via post on X.

"A special welcome on historic visit! PM @narendramodi arrives at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait to a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour. Warmly received by HH Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, PM of Kuwait. Extensive talks with HH the Amir, Crown Prince and PM of Kuwait lie ahead," it said.

Earlier, on Saturday, Modi had a chance to visit the Indian diaspora residing in Kuwait and attended the event 'Hala Modi' held in the city.

He also visited the Gulf Spic Labour Camp and interacted with Indian workers there, motivating them to contribute to the nation's development.

He connected them to his vision of "Viksit Bharat 2027" and spoke about their dreams. He praised the workers for their hard work and duly appreciated their dedication.

'Investment, trade, and cultural ties' PM Modi addresses KUNA

In-between the two-day visit, the prime minister also interviewed the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). PM Modi highlighted that trade and commerce are the two critical pillars of the bilateral relationship that Kuwait and India have been enjoying with reference to their increasing rate of two-way trad. "Our energy partnership adds a unique value to our bilateral trade," he told KUNA.

Some of these 'Made in India' products include automobile, electrical, and mechanical machinery, which are available in the Gulf nation, and Modi expressed his happiness in this instance. "Diversification to non-oil trade is key to achieving greater bilateral trade," he said.

Even deeper history will tell that these two nations have always been bound by friendship-warmth relationships, said the head of state. "We have traded with each other since time immemorial. The discoveries in Failaka Island speak of our shared past. The Indian Rupee was a legal tender in Kuwait for over a century till 1961. This shows how closely our economies were integrated," he told KUNA.

"Overall, the bilateral ties are progressing well and if I could say, scaling new heights. I eagerly look forward to my talks with His Highness the Amir to elevate our ties in various areas including defense, trade, investment, and energy. The strong roots of our historical ties must be matched by the fruits of our 21st century partnership - dynamic, robust and multifaceted. There is a lot we have achieved together, but possibilities are limitless for our partnership. I am sure this visit will give new wings to it," he was quoted as saying.

PM Modi informed the news agency about Indians being the largest expatriate community of more than a million in Kuwait and New Delhi being the Gulf nation's premier trading partners.

He pointed out how the Kuwait Investment Authority has invested in the country and has shown increasing interest in investing in India. Modi brought the pride of India as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

According to the prime minister's vision, India will soon jump from third to the fifth rank, and with the increased pace of the economy, it is going to soon become the third-largest economy in the world.

From developing its infrastructure to establishing a digital economy, PM Modi mentioned the several achievements of India to the Kuwaiti news agency.

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According to Modi, India's growth, increasing ease of doing business, and stability and transparency for international investors have made it one of the most attractive destinations for investment and certainly not a new market for Kuwaiti investors.

Referring to Kuwait Vision 2035 which talks about its transformation into an economic and connectivity hub, PM Modi noted that there exist a lot of synergies between the two visions, which converge on many fronts. "A number of Indian companies are already engaged in execution of infrastructure projects in various sectors in Kuwait. Similarly, we are seeing investments from Kuwaiti companies in India. It is a mutually beneficial partnership in a true sense," he told KUNA.

He added that Indian movies are essentially the strongest example of cultural bonding-fusion in Kuwait and the Gulf and that food traditions are another.

"India's diversity and emphasis on peace, tolerance and coexistence resonate with the values of Kuwait's multicultural society. Recently, a Kuwaiti scholar translated Ramayana and Mahabharata in Arabic," Modi added.

For a society like that of Kuwait, tourism in India offers an opportunity to experience and deepen already existing bonds of history and culture between the two.

"As we elevate the level of our relationship with Kuwait to a strategic partnership, I believe the role of the Indian community will only grow in importance. I am confident that Kuwaiti authorities recognize the immense contributions of this vibrant community and will continue to provide encouragement and support," PM Modi told KUNA.

Citing a number of alliances in energy, trade, and other sectors, he said they would not only serve as pillars of the economic relationship between the two nations but also serve as driving forces for diversified and sustainable growth.

Finally, the Prime Minister hailed the GCC efforts in hosting one of the largest Indian diasporas and said that the community is further strengthening these ties between India and Kuwait.

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