Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his maiden visit to Kuwait on Saturday, emphasised the importance of trade and energy partnerships as pillars of the India-Kuwait bilateral relationship. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in over four decades.
Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Modi stated, “Trade and commerce have been important pillars of our bilateral relationship. Our bilateral trade has been on an upswing. Our energy partnership adds a unique value to our bilateral trade.”
Highlighting the growing presence of Indian products in Kuwait, he said, “We are happy to see ‘Made in India’ products, particularly in automobile, electrical and mechanical machinery, and telecom segments, making new inroads in Kuwait. India today is manufacturing world-class products at the most affordable cost. Diversification to non-oil trade is key to achieving greater bilateral trade.”
The Prime Minister also called for increased collaboration in sectors like pharmaceuticals, health, technology, digital innovation, and textiles. “Business chambers, entrepreneurs, and innovators must engage and interact with each other more,” he urged.
Modi underlined the historical ties between India and Kuwait, noting, “The Indian Rupee was a legal tender in Kuwait for over a century till 1961. This shows how closely our economies were integrated.”
Addressing India’s economic trajectory, Modi highlighted the nation’s transformation, stating, “India has moved from being the 11th largest to the 5th largest economy in less than a decade and is poised to become the 3rd largest economy soon.” He outlined India’s ambitious infrastructure development plans and the surge in start-ups and manufacturing, making the country a magnet for global investments.
He detailed India’s infrastructure and digital transformation, noting, “Over the last decade, we have doubled our airports from 70 in 2014 to over 150 in 2024. In the next five years, 31 Indian cities will be serviced by metro transport systems.”
He also noted the synergy between India’s Vision 2047 and Kuwait’s Vision 2035, which aims to transform the latter into an economic and connectivity hub. “The tremendous pace of economic activity in both countries opens up large opportunities for cooperation and collaboration,” he said.
PM Modi On Indian Expatriate Community In Kuwait, Energy Ties
The Prime Minister appreciated the contributions of the Indian expatriate community in Kuwait, the largest in the country, numbering over a million. “They act as a living bridge between the two countries, fostering a deep appreciation for Indian philosophy, music, and performing arts,” he said, citing initiatives like the Hindi-language programme ‘Namaste Kuwait’ on Kuwait national radio.
He highlighted that Kuwait is India’s sixth-largest crude oil supplier and fourth-largest LPG supplier., with bilateral energy ties ranking both nations among each other’s top trading partners.
“India is emerging as the world’s 3rd largest energy consumer, and Kuwait holds around 6.5 percent of global oil reserves. The scope for further collaboration is immense,” he noted.
India’s soft power was mentioned by PM Modi who pointed to the popularity of Indian cinema and cultural programmes in Kuwait. He mentioned a Kuwaiti scholar’s recent translation of Ramayana and Mahabharata into Arabic as a testament to shared cultural appreciation.
The Prime Minister extended gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership for their hospitality and support of the Indian community. He expressed optimism about the visit, saying, “There is a lot we have achieved together, but possibilities are limitless for our partnership. I am sure this visit will give new wings to it”
PM Modi On India’s Role In Global South, Stance On Gaza And Ukraine Conflicts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s commitment as a dependable development partner for the Global South, a first responder during crises, a global leader on climate action, and a proponent of inclusive growth and development.
“India is privileged to speak for the global south. We share much in common with our fellow developing countries – from history to the aspirations of our people. We therefore not only understand, but feel their concerns. The ongoing conflicts and the resultant challenges of food, fuel, and fertilizer have hit the global south hard. They are also disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate change,” he remarked.
Addressing ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, the Prime Minister emphasised that solutions cannot emerge from battlefields. “Sincere and practical engagement between stakeholders is essential for bridging differences and achieving negotiated settlements,” he remarked, adding India’s willingness to support genuine efforts for an early restoration of peace, particularly in Gaza and Ukraine.
On humanitarian efforts, Modi highlighted India’s contribution of 70 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and 65 tonnes of medicines to Gaza last month, along with USD 10 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) over the last two years. He reaffirmed India’s support for a negotiated two-state solution, advocating for a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestine within secure and recognised borders.
Turning to climate change, Modi called it the most pressing challenge facing the planet. “Our planet is under stress. We need urgent collective action and one that involves the entire global community. No one can do it alone. We must come together,” he stated.
