As the first Indian prime minister to visit the Gulf state in forty-three years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait on December 21–22, 2024, focuses on enhancing India-Kuwait bilateral ties.
The goal of Prime Minister Modi’s two-day trip to Kuwait is to strengthen commerce and defense ties between the two countries. Along with an emphasis on the welfare of Indian workers and their involvement in the Gulf Cup tournament, discussions on investment treaties and cooperation pacts are expected.
Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah are among the important Kuwaiti dignitaries with whom Modi will hold discussions. Trade, investment, energy cooperation, and a possible defense cooperation deal are among the topics on the agenda.
The prime minister will speak to the approximately one million Indian expatriates who make up Kuwait’s largest expat population. India’s dedication to its diaspora is demonstrated by this interaction.
The ‘Hala Modi’ event at the Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Sports Complex, which honors India-Kuwait relations and the achievements of the Indian population, will be a significant highlight of the trip.
Modi intends to meet blue-collar workers at an Indian labor camp, demonstrating India’s appreciation for their contributions to Kuwait’s economy.
At the Bayan Palace, Modi was greeted ceremoniously upon his arrival, complete with a guard of honor. This demonstrates how significant his trip to Kuwait is.
India is one of Kuwait’s most important trading partners; in the fiscal year 2023–2024, bilateral trade was worth about USD 10.47 billion. Additionally, roughly 3% of India’s crude oil demands are met by Kuwait.
One of the main goals of this tour is to strengthen defense ties. It is anticipated that both countries would finish a number of agreements aimed at improving collaboration in a number of industries and talk about a bilateral investment treaty.
As a special guest of the Emir, Modi will be present at the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup, strengthening the cultural bonds between Kuwait and India.
With an emphasis on common interests in peace, security, and stability in the West Asian area, the visit is viewed as a chance to lay down a blueprint for a future collaboration between Kuwait and India.
