PM Modi arrives in Kuwait

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived here in the Gulf nation on a twoday visit where he will meet the Indian diaspora and hold talks with Kuwaiti leadership to strengthen the IndiaKuwait friendship across various sectorsModi is visiting Kuwait on the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal AlAhmad AlJaber AlSabah His visit to Kuwait will be the first of any Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 yearsLanded in Kuwait to a warm welcome This is the first visit by an Indian PM in 43 years and it will undoubtedly strengthen the IndiaKuwait friendship across various sectors I look forward to the programmes scheduled for later today and tomorrow Prime Minister Modi posted on XOn his arrival Modi was warmly received by Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud AlSabah First Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Defence amp Interior of KuwaitA new chapter in the making PM narendramodi arrives in Kuwait to a ceremonial welcome Warmly received by HE Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud AlSabah First Deputy PM Minister of Defence amp Interior of Kuwait HE Abdullah Ali AlYahya FM of Kuwait amp several other Ministers amp dignitaries at the airport Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on XDuring the visit Modi will hold discussions with the leadership of Kuwait and also interact with the Indian communityIn his departure statement he said his talks with top Kuwaiti leadership would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership between India and KuwaitWe deeply value the historical connection with Kuwait that has been nurtured over generations We are not just strong trade and energy partners but also have shared interest in peace security stability and prosperity in the West Asia region he saidModi said he was looking forward to his meetings with the Emir the Crown Prince and the prime minister of KuwaitHe will also attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup here in KuwaitThe last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981India is among the top trading partners of Kuwait He would also meet the vibrant Indian diaspora here The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in KuwaitIndians constitute 21 per cent 1 million of the total population of Kuwait and 30 per cent of its workforce approx 9 lakhs Indian workers top the Private Sector as well as domestic sector DSW work force list according to Indian Embassy in KuwaitKuwait is among Indias top trading partners with bilateral trade valued at USD 1047 billion in the financial year 202324Kuwait is Indias sixth largest crude supplier meeting 3 per cent of the countrys energy needsIndian exports to Kuwait reached USD 2 billion for the first time while investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceed USD 10 billionIndia and Kuwait have enjoyed traditionally friendly relations with links dating back to preoil Kuwait when maritime trade with India was the backbone of its economyThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever