PM Modi embarks on 2-day visit to Kuwait

As he embarked on a twoday visit to Kuwait Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India and the Gulf nation have shared interest in peace security and stability in West Asia reported PTIPM Modis visit to Kuwait the first by an Indian prime minister in 43 years comes two weeks after the collapse of Bashar alAssads regime in Syria and amid signs of a possible ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in GazaThe last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981In a departure statement PM Modi said his talks with the top Kuwaiti leadership would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership between India and KuwaitWe 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 interest in peace security stability and prosperity in the West Asia region he said reported PTIThe prime minister is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal AlAhmad AlJaber AlSabahI am confident that this visit will further strengthen and reinforce the special ties and bonds of friendship between the people of India and Kuwait PM Modi said reported PTIThe prime minister said he was looking forward to his meetings with the Emir the Crown Prince and the prime minister of KuwaitIt would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of our people and the region he saidI eagerly look forward to meeting the Indian diaspora in Kuwait who have immensely contributed to strengthening of bonds of friendship between the two nations he addedPM Modis engagements in Kuwait include a visit to an Indian labour camp an interaction with the Indian community and gracing the opening ceremony of the Gulf Cup football tournamentI express my gratitude to the leadership of Kuwait for the special gesture of inviting me to the inauguration ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup a premier sporting event in the Gulf region the prime minister said reported PTII look forward to being a part of this celebration of athletic excellence and regional unity he saidOn Friday the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said India and Kuwait are expected to focus on shoring up ties in a range of key areas including defence and trade during the prime ministers visit to the Gulf nationDiscussions are underway with Kuwait on a bilateral investment treaty and a defence cooperation pact according to officialsAt a media briefing Arun Kumar Chatterjee Secretary Overseas Indian Affairs in the MEA said a few bilateral documents are expected to be firmed up during the prime ministers visitThe historic visit by the prime minister is expected to open a new chapter in IndiaKuwait bilateral relations he saidIt will not only consolidate the partnership in existing spheres but also unveil new avenues for future cooperation reinforce our shared values and build a stronger and more dynamic partnership for the future he addedIndia is among the top trading partners of Kuwait The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in KuwaitThe Gulf nation is among Indias top trading partners with bilateral trade valued at USD 1047 billion in 202324Kuwait is Indias sixth largest crude supplier meeting 3 per cent of the countrys energy needsIndian exports to Kuwait reached USD 2 billion for the first time in 202324 while investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceeded USD 10 billionWith inputs from PTI