PM Modi In Kuwait Meets 101-Year-Old Ex-IFS Officer Amid Warm Welcome From Indian Diaspora — WATCH

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a historic two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. At the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Modi arrived in Kuwait City on Saturday, where he was warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora and local leadership.  

During his visit, Modi met 101-year-old former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Mangal Sain Handa and interacted with members of the Indian community at a hotel in Kuwait City.

His son Dilip Handa told news agency ANI, “This is an experience of a lifetime. PM Modi said he especially came here to meet him (his father). We are grateful to Prime Minister Modi…”

Notably, Ramayana and Mahabharata have been published in the Arabic language. Abdullataeef Al Nedef, the book publisher and Abdullah Baron, the translator of Ramayana and Mahabharata in the Arabic language, met PM Modi. 

Nedef, the book publisher remarked, “I am very happy, it is an honour for me. Mr Modi is very happy with this. These books are very important. He (Prime Minister Modi) signed both the books…”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also witnessed a performance by Indian diaspora artists, which the performers described as a proud moment.

Expressing their joy, a member of the performing group said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi saw our performance. It is a very proud moment. It is a big achievement for us. On behalf of our entire team, we are thankful to Prime Minister Modi. He asked us our names… We are very happy.”  

Upon landing in Kuwait, PM Narendra Modi posted on X, “Landed in Kuwait to a warm welcome. This is the first visit by an Indian PM in 43 years, and it will undoubtedly strengthen the India-Kuwait friendship across various sectors. I look forward to the programmes scheduled for later today and tomorrow.”

PM Modi’s Kuwait Visit

Modi’s visit aims to strengthen ties between the two nations. In his departure statement, he highlighted the importance of the India-Kuwait relationship, stating, “We deeply value the historical connection with Kuwait that has been nurtured over generations. We are not just strong trade and energy partners but also have shared interests in peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the West Asia region.”  

The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold discussions with Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister of Kuwait to chart a roadmap for a futuristic partnership. Modi will also attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait City.  

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India and Kuwait share robust trade relations, with bilateral trade valued at USD 10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24. Kuwait ranks as India’s sixth-largest crude oil supplier, meeting 3 per cent of the country’s energy needs. Indian exports to Kuwait crossed USD 2 billion for the first time, while Kuwait’s investments in India exceeded USD 10 billion, news agency PTI reported.  

The Indian diaspora forms a significant part of Kuwait’s workforce, comprising approximately 30 per cent of the labour force, with about 9 lakh Indian workers employed in various sectors. According to the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, Indians represent 21 per cent of the total population in the Gulf nation, making them the largest expatriate community.  

The last Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981.