Sun Dec 22 07:53:19 UTC 2024: ## Modi’s Historic Kuwait Visit: Strengthening Ties and Promoting Peace
**Kuwait City, December 22, 2024** – In a landmark visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister in 43 years to visit Kuwait, strengthening bilateral ties and emphasizing India’s commitment to regional peace. Addressing a large gathering of the Indian diaspora, PM Modi lauded their contributions to Kuwaiti society, highlighting the vibrant Indian community’s impact on the nation’s cultural landscape. He affirmed India’s readiness to support Kuwait’s development, emphasizing India’s abundant manpower, skills, and technology to meet the needs of a “New Kuwait.”
The visit included a high-profile meeting with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), PM Modi expressed India’s willingness to facilitate peace efforts in both Gaza and Ukraine, stressing the need for negotiated settlements. He reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution in Palestine.
PM Modi underscored the potential for a strategic partnership between India and Kuwait, moving beyond a traditional buyer-seller relationship in the energy sector. With Kuwait being India’s sixth largest crude oil and fourth largest LPG supplier, he highlighted the immense potential for collaboration as India becomes a major global energy consumer. He also pointed towards opportunities for expansion in the petrochemical sector, aiming for a $300 billion industry by 2025.
Beyond energy, PM Modi emphasized the potential for growth in pharmaceuticals, health, technology, digital innovation, and textiles. He expressed satisfaction with the increasing presence of “Made in India” products in the Kuwaiti market. He also highlighted the importance of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for India, noting the significant presence of the Indian diaspora in the region.
The visit culminated in PM Modi’s attendance at the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup, alongside Kuwaiti leadership. The event further cemented the strong and growing relationship between the two nations.
First Piper 