Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his two-day trip to Kuwait today, where he will meet with the senior leadership, engage with the Indian community, and tour an Indian labor camp. He will meet with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince and his counterpart. He is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of the Emir. This will be the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited the Gulf nation in forty-three years.
Agreements in a number of key areas, including trade and defense, are anticipated to be signed during the Prime Minister’s visit. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that talks were underway with Kuwait on a bilateral investment treaty and a defense cooperation agreement one day prior to PM Modi’s visit. PM Modi is anticipated to attend the Arabian Gulf Cup football tournament opening ceremony while on the trip.
Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs) in the MEA, said PM Modi’s “historic visit” to Kuwait was expected to “open a new chapter” in bilateral ties. It will boost the ties between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Chatterjee said India was negotiating with the GCC for a free trade pact. “We hope both sides will be able to conclude it,” he added.
“It will not only consolidate the partnership in existing spheres but also unveil new avenues for future cooperation, reinforce our shared values, and build a stronger and more dynamic partnership for the future,” he said.
Indira Gandhi was the last Indian Prime Minister to travel to Kuwait, in 1981.
