- In Kuwait, PM Modi met Abdullah Al Barun, who translated both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata into Arabic, and Abdul Latif Al Nessef, who published Arabic versions of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. PM Modi mentioned this in his monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
- The Prime Minister also met Mangal Sain Handa, a 101-year-old retired Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer who lives in Kuwait. The retired officer had requested on social media that he wanted to meet PM Modi.
- “Warmly welcomed in Kuwait. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, and it will undoubtedly strengthen India-Kuwait friendship in various fields. I look forward to the events scheduled for today and tomorrow. ” PM Modi posted on X. The last Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981.
- He was welcomed by Sheikh Fahd Youssef Saud Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister of Kuwait, Minister of Defense and Interior.
- PM Modi said that his talks with the top leadership of Kuwait will be an opportunity to draw a roadmap for the future partnership between India and Kuwait. PM Modi said, “We deeply value the historical ties with Kuwait spanning generations. We are not only strong trade and energy partners, but we also share in the peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East region.” interests.”
- He said he looked forward to his meetings with the Amir, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Kuwait. The Prime Minister will attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait.
- India is one of Kuwait’s top trading partners. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait.
- Indians constitute 21 percent of Kuwait’s total population (1 million) and 30 percent of its workforce (about 9 lakh). According to the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, Indian workers top the workforce list in the private sector as well as the domestic sector.
- Bilateral trade between Kuwait and India was $10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24. Kuwait is also India’s sixth largest crude oil supplier, meeting 3 percent of the country’s energy needs. Indian exports to Kuwait reached $2 billion for the first time, while Kuwait Investment Authority investments in India exceeded $10 billion.
- India and Kuwait have traditionally had friendly relations, dating back to pre-oil Kuwait, when maritime trade with India was the backbone of its economy.
