Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kuwait on 21-22 December. During this time, PM Modi will be given a formal welcome. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years. Earlier, PM Modi had met the Crown Prince of Kuwait in September.
Ministry of External Affairs Provides Details on PM Modi’s Kuwait Visit
Giving information on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that this visit is expected to start a new chapter in bilateral relations between India and Kuwait. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussion during the visit will focus on strengthening partnerships in defense, trade and other areas.
Prime Minister Modi has been invited by Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. During his visit, the Prime Minister will meet the top leadership of Kuwait and interact with members of the Indian community living there. It is noteworthy that the Indian community is the largest expatriate group in Kuwait.
First Prime Minister Visit to Kuwait Since 1981
The last Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi, who made the trip in 1981.
Why is the Kuwait Visit Important?
Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika told news agency ANI, “Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit is very significant, especially in terms of three important factors: it is the first visit to Kuwait in 43 years, Kuwait is the only Gulf country that PM Modi has not visited yet, and it is the first high-level visit in a decade. This makes the visit very special.”
Historical and Cultural Relations
India and Kuwait have historically shared strong relations. In ancient times, maritime trade between Kuwait and India was the backbone of Kuwait’s economy. Kuwaiti trading ships would carry dates, Arabian horses, and pearls from India in exchange for wood, grains, fabrics, and spices.
Until 1961, the Indian rupee was used as legal currency in Kuwait. Formal diplomatic relations between India and Kuwait were established in 1961. Initially, India was represented there by a trade commissioner.
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