PM Modi reflects on India’s ‘soft power’ in Kuwait

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Kuwait City:

Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s historical and cultural ties with the Gulf region and the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf country. He highlighted India’s soft power, emphasizing its civility, cultural influence of films and cuisine, and tourism.

Prime Minister Modi, in an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Saturday, also reiterated India’s role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, food and energy security, and advocating for the global South.

Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day visit to the Gulf country of Kuwait at the invitation of the Emir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshaal Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years.

According to KUNA, Prime Minister Modi said in response to a question about how India’s soft power affects its global influence that India’s civilizational spirit and traditions form the basis of its soft power. Prime Minister Modi further asserted that India’s soft power has grown significantly as its global influence has expanded, especially in the past decade.

“In Kuwait and the Gulf, Indian films are a prime example of this cultural connection. We see Kuwaitis having a soft spot for Indian films. I heard that Kuwaiti TV shows Indian films and actors three times a week,” he said.

“Similarly, our cuisine and culinary traditions also have something in common. Centuries of human contact have also resulted in linguistic similarities and shared vocabulary. India’s diversity and commitment to peace, tolerance and coexistence The emphasis resonates with the values ​​of Kuwait’s multicultural society.

Talking about tourism, Prime Minister Modi said, “Indian tourism provides another level of soft power. With 43 UNESCO World Heritage sites and continuous efforts to improve tourist facilities, India offers history, culture and nature A unique blend of beautiful scenery.”

“For a society like Kuwait with rich historical ties to India, travel opportunities in India are an invitation to explore and deepen shared cultural ties,” he added.

He added that Indians in Kuwait have contributed immensely to the development of the country as doctors, businessmen, construction workers, engineers, nurses and other professionals.

“As we elevate our relationship with Kuwait to a strategic partnership, I believe the role of the Indian community will only become more important. I believe the Kuwaiti authorities recognize the tremendous contribution of this vibrant community and will continue to provide encouragement and support,” PM Modi added.

According to the Kuna report, when asked about the energy relationship between Kuwait and India, Prime Minister Modi said that energy is an important pillar of the bilateral partnership, with an estimated trade volume of more than 10 billion US dollars last year, reflecting the deep trust and trust that underpins this partnership. Mutual benefit and win-win.

“The two countries have consistently ranked among the top ten trading partners in the energy sector. Indian companies actively import crude oil, LPG and petroleum products from Kuwait and also export petroleum products to Kuwait. Currently, Kuwait is India’s sixth largest supplier of crude oil and the fourth largest supplier of LPG,” PM Modi said.

He added: “In addition to traditional hydrocarbon trade, there are many new areas for cooperation, including the entire value chain of oil and gas, as well as joint efforts on low-carbon solutions such as green hydrogen, biofuels and carbon dioxide. capture technology.

When asked about India’s global role as the voice of the South, Prime Minister Modi said: “India is honored to speak on behalf of the South. We have a lot in common with other developing countries – from history to the aspirations of our people . So we not only understand but feel their concerns.

He praised North Korea as a reliable development partner for the global South, a first responder in crises in the South and beyond, a leader in climate action and a champion of inclusive growth and development.

“Becoming a permanent member of the G20 at the New Delhi Summit is a historic achievement for the countries of the Southern Hemisphere and a proud moment for us.”

Regarding the regional and global conflicts involving Gaza and Ukraine, Prime Minister Modi stressed that solutions cannot be found on the battlefield and emphasized that sincere and pragmatic engagement among stakeholders is essential to bridge differences and achieve negotiated solutions, Kuna reported importance.

He emphasized that India recently provided 70 tons of humanitarian aid and nearly 65 tons of medicine to Gaza, and donated US$10 million to UNRWA in the past two years.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to a negotiated two-state solution aimed at establishing a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state with secure and recognized borders.

On environmental sustainability initiatives, Prime Minister Modi said: “We face many challenges, but none more urgent than climate change. Our planet is under pressure. Urgent collective action is needed and the entire international community needs to be involved .

He also viewed India-led green initiatives as a platform for all countries to jointly combat climate change, promote environmental sustainability, build disaster-resilient infrastructure and promote the global transition to clean energy, Kuna reported.

Prime Minister Modi also attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait on Saturday as the ‘chief guest’ of Amir Sheikh Meshaal Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The Emir of Kuwait and Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Sabah Hamad Mubarak Al Sabah received Prime Minister Modi at the Bayan Palace on Sunday and received a grand welcome.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep gratitude to Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for conferring on him the Mubarak Kabir Medal, the highest award of the State of Kuwait. The leaders exchanged views on bilateral, global, regional and multilateral issues of common interest.

Both sides also recalled centuries-old ties rooted in shared history and cultural origins. Both sides expressed with satisfaction that regular interactions at all levels help to form and maintain momentum for bilateral multi-field cooperation. The two sides emphasized that they would maintain the momentum of recent high-level exchanges through regular bilateral ministerial-level and senior official-level exchanges.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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