KUWAIT: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived on a two-day official visit to Kuwait on Saturday, the first in 43 years by an Indian premier to the country. Modi and an accompanying delegation were received at Kuwait International Airport by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense and Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and senior officials.
Shortly after his arrival, Modi met prominent members of the Indian community in Kuwait, including 101-year-old Mangal Sain Handa. He then met Indian workers at a labor camp, before heading to an indoor stadium for a community event titled ‘Hala Modi’. Addressing the capacity crowd of expats from across India and all walks of life, he praised Indian workers from diverse fields, noting their contribution to remittances sent back home. He added the Kuwaiti leadership appreciates Indian workers for their skill and honesty.
"It takes four hours to reach Kuwait from India, but it took an Indian prime minister four decades,” Modi said in a nod to the historic nature of his visit. He emphasized the long-standing relationship between India and Kuwait. "Our nations are bound not only by diplomacy, but also by hearts. Our past and future are intertwined,” he said.
Modi recalled the words of HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah when they met recently in New York: "When you need anything, you go to India.” He reflected on the COVID pandemic era, when Kuwait provided liquid oxygen to India, while India supplied vaccines and healthcare support to Kuwait. He also praised Kuwait for its response during the deadly Mangaf fire incident in June.
Kuwait-India ties go back to the pre-oil era, when Kuwaiti merchants and sailors were present in many Indian cities. Modi revealed India’s dominance in the jewelry sector was influenced by pearls from Kuwait, noting the Indian rupee was in circulation in Kuwait till its independence, with words like paisa and anna used in everyday parlance.
Modi highlighted the economic cooperation between India and Kuwait, with an emphasis on innovation, steel, technology and manpower. He said India can assist Kuwait in achieving its New Kuwait vision with its smart cities, green technology, startups and skilled youth. "India, as the world’s most youthful nation, can help fulfill global skills needs,” he said. The Indian premier mentioned advancements in technology, digital payments and space ventures, saying every Indian should be proud of these achievements.
At the end of his speech, which was punctuated by applause, Modi thanked the leadership of Kuwait for welcoming him, revealing to the cheering crowd that he has been invited as a guest of honor by HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for the opening ceremony of the Khaleeji Zain 26 (Arabian Gulf Cup) on Saturday evening.