Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kuwait for a two-day trip, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister in over four decades. The last such visit occurred in 1981 when former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi traveled to Kuwait, with the vice president of India visiting in 2009.
During his visit, Modi is expected to meet Kuwait’s top leadership, including Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister. These discussions will focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields such as trade, energy, investment, culture, and people-to-people relations. Modi will also visitlaborour camp housing Indian workers and attend an event for the Indian community, including the inauguration of the Gulf Cup football tournament.
In anticipation of his trip, Modi expressed his enthusiasm about strengthening India’s historical ties with Kuwait. He highlighted the upcoming ‘Hala Modi’ community event, which will take place at the Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Sports Complex.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that Modi’s visit is poised to initiate a new chapter in India-Kuwait relations, aimed at solidifying existing partnerships and exploring new areas of collaboration. Key discussions include a bilateral investment treaty and a defense cooperation agreement. The visit is also expected to enhance India’s ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which Kuwait currently chairs.
India is one of Kuwait’s major trading partners, with two-way trade valued at $10.47 billion in 2023-24. Indian exports to Kuwait grew by 34.7% year-on-year, reaching $2.1 billion. Additionally, Kuwait supplies 3% of India’s crude oil needs, and investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceed $10 billion. The Indian expatriate community in Kuwait, numbering over one million, plays a significant role in strengthening the cultural and economic ties between the two nations.
