Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kuwait on Saturday for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between India and the Gulf nation. The visit, at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in over four decades, with the last such visit being made by Indira Gandhi in 1981.
During his stay, PM Modi is set to hold important discussions with Kuwaiti leadership, with a major focus on enhancing defence and security cooperation between the two countries. Indian officials have emphasized that these areas will be a key highlight of the talks, which are expected to pave the way for deeper strategic collaboration.
In addition to defence matters, the visit will also address economic and investment-related discussions. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that negotiations are underway for a bilateral investment treaty and a defence cooperation agreement between the two nations.
Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary of Overseas Indian Affairs, mentioned that some bilateral agreements are likely to be finalised during this trip. “This visit is expected to strengthen the relationship between India and Kuwait, as well as bolster India’s ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is currently chaired by Kuwait,” he stated.
Apart from the official meetings, PM Modi will engage with the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, furthering India’s cultural and social ties with its citizens living abroad.
The visit is viewed as an important step in further cementing India’s relationships with the Gulf region, a crucial partner for India in both economic and geopolitical matters. The Indian government hopes to enhance cooperation in areas such as energy, trade, and defence, while also strengthening people-to-people connections with the growing Indian expatriate community in Kuwait.
