Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a landmark two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years.
Mr. Modi’s visit, at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, concluded on Sunday, December 22, 2024, with both nations elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership.
Strategic Partnership and New MoUs
During the visit, PM Modi met with Kuwait’s top leadership, including the Emir, Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
The discussions centered on expanding cooperation in key sectors like defense, energy, trade, investment, and technology. A pivotal outcome of the talks was signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defense, which aims to enhance training, joint exercises, and cooperation in the defense industry between the two nations.
Cultural and People-to-People Connections
PM Modi’s visit was about high-level diplomacy and celebrating the Indian diaspora’s contributions to Kuwait.
He addressed a significant gathering at the ‘Hala Modi’ event, praising the diaspora’s role in global growth and highlighting India’s potential to become the ‘skill capital of the world.’
A touching moment was his meeting with Mangal Sain Handa, a 101-year-old retired Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, after a heartfelt request from Handa’s granddaughter on social media.
In a heartfelt gesture, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah personally bid farewell to Prime Minister Modi at the airport as he departed for India.