Sat Dec 21 18:27:39 UTC 2024: ## Modi Celebrates Indian Diaspora’s Success in Historic Kuwait Visit
**Kuwait City** – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kuwait on a landmark visit, his first in four decades, highlighting the strong and growing ties between the two nations. Addressing a large gathering of the Indian diaspora, the largest expatriate community in Kuwait (approximately 1 million, or 21% of the population), Modi emphasized the significance of the visit, noting the community’s substantial contributions to Kuwaiti society.
“You have enriched Kuwait with your skills and talents,” Modi stated, praising the Indian community’s impact across various sectors, from technology to tradition. He stressed that his visit was not merely a formal engagement but a celebration of their achievements.
During his visit, Modi met with several notable individuals, including Abdulla Al Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al Nesef, who translated the Ramayana and Mahabharata into Arabic – a project previously highlighted in Modi’s monthly radio address, “Mann Ki Baat.” He also met Mangal Sain Handa, a 101-year-old retired Indian Foreign Service officer who had expressed a wish to meet the Prime Minister on social media.
Modi’s visit also includes high-level meetings with Kuwaiti leadership, aimed at charting a future roadmap for bilateral cooperation. He will meet with the Emir, Crown Prince, and Prime Minister of Kuwait, focusing on strengthening the already robust trade and energy partnership, and collaboration on regional peace and security in West Asia. The visit will culminate with Modi’s attendance at the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup.
Bilateral trade between India and Kuwait reached $10.47 billion in 2023-24, with Kuwait being India’s sixth-largest crude oil supplier. Indian exports to Kuwait exceeded $2 billion for the first time, and Kuwaiti investments in India surpass $10 billion. The long-standing relationship, rooted in centuries of maritime trade, continues to flourish in the modern era.
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