File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. |Photo credit: PTI
Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said on Friday (December 20, 2024) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kuwait from December 21 to 22.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Modi’s two-day visit to Kuwait will help open a new chapter in bilateral relations.
“Prime Minister Modi will visit labor camps housing Indian foreign workers during his visit,” Jaiswal said.
“Mr. Modi will also hold bilateral talks with the Crown Prince and Emir of Kuwait.
The MEA added, “We are considering strengthening our relationship in a number of areas, including defense and trade.”
Mr. Modi visited China at the invitation of the Emir of Kuwait, Meshaal Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The last Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981.
India is one of Kuwait’s largest trading partners. The Indian community is the largest expat community in Kuwait.
Kuwait is one of India’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade volume reaching US$10.47 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Kuwait is India’s sixth-largest crude oil supplier, meeting 3% of the country’s energy needs.
India’s exports to Kuwait reached US$2 billion for the first time, and Kuwait Investment Authority’s investments in India exceeded US$10 billion.
India and Kuwait have a traditional friendly relationship that dates back to before the advent of Kuwait oil, when maritime trade with India was the backbone of its economy.
Kuwait’s economy revolves around its excellent ports and maritime activities, including shipbuilding, pearl diving, fishing and sailing to India on wooden dhows carrying dates, Arabian horses and pearls, according to people who track Kuwait. These pearls can be exchanged for wood, grains, clothing, and spices.
The Indian rupee was Kuwait’s legal tender until 1961, symbolizing enduring economic and cultural ties.
The two countries formally established diplomatic relations in 1961, with India initially represented by a Trade Commissioner.
Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jabal Al-Jabal Al-Jabal Al-Sabah paid a private visit to India in July 2017.
The last high-level visit between the two sides was the visit of Kuwait Prime Minister to India in 2013.
(Including PTI input)
Published – December 20, 2024 at 04:55 pm (IST)