Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a significant meeting with His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, today at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait City. This was the first official meeting between the two leaders, marking a new chapter in the growing diplomatic relationship between India and Kuwait.
Upon his arrival at the palace, Prime Minister Modi was warmly received with a ceremonial welcome by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister of Kuwait, along with senior Kuwaiti officials.
The meeting, which comes on the heels of Prime Minister Modi’s landmark visit to Kuwait, was an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues. Both leaders reflected on the long-standing historical ties between India and Kuwait, reaffirming their commitment to further enhancing and expanding the partnership. They agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership, a move that highlights both nations’ shared interest in deepening cooperation across political, economic, and cultural fronts.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi expressed his heartfelt thanks to His Highness the Amir for his steadfast support in ensuring the welfare of the over one million-strong Indian community residing in Kuwait. In turn, His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the vibrant Indian diaspora to Kuwait’s development, emphasizing their integral role in the country’s progress.
The leaders also discussed the future of Kuwait’s Vision 2035, a national development plan aimed at diversifying the country’s economy and reducing its dependence on oil. Prime Minister Modi lauded Kuwait’s forward-looking initiatives and congratulated the Amir on the successful hosting of the recent GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit. He also expressed gratitude for being invited as the ‘Guest of Honour’ at the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup, a significant regional sporting event held earlier this week.
In response, His Highness the Amir expressed his appreciation for India’s growing role in the Gulf region and its partnership with Kuwait. He highlighted the importance of India’s continued contributions to the realization of Kuwait’s Vision 2035, particularly in areas such as technology, education, and infrastructure.
The two leaders also discussed regional and global developments, agreeing on the importance of continued collaboration in addressing challenges such as energy security, climate change, and regional stability.
As part of the efforts to further strengthen the bond between the two countries, Prime Minister Modi extended a warm invitation to His Highness the Amir to visit India. The visit, if realized, would be another milestone in the flourishing India-Kuwait relationship.
This meeting, and the broader engagement between the two countries, marks a momentous step toward further cementing India-Kuwait relations and sets the stage for deeper collaboration in the coming years. The discussions between Prime Minister Modi and His Highness the Amir are expected to lay the groundwork for a more strategic, multifaceted partnership between the two nations.
As Prime Minister Modi wraps up his official visit, both countries look forward to fostering greater cooperation in the areas of trade, security, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties, which will benefit not only India and Kuwait but also contribute to regional stability and prosperity.