Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a historic two-day visit to Kuwait, the first by an Indian premier in 43 years. He attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as the ‘guest of honour’ and engaged in discussions with the Emir of Kuwait. PM Modi also addressed the Indian diaspora, highlighting their contributions and encouraging their active involvement in India’s developmental journey.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently embarking on a significant two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first such visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. During his stay, he attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City, where he was honored to be the ‘guest of honour’ and had the opportunity to meet the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah.
In a social media post, PM Modi expressed his satisfaction in meeting His Highness the Emir, illustrating the diplomatic relations fostered through such interactions. The Arabian Gulf Cup, featuring teams from eight nations including key Gulf Cooperation Council members and other regional countries, is a prominent biennial football tournament, significantly highlighting Kuwait’s sporting culture. During this occasion, PM Modi conveyed his best wishes to all participating teams in the tournament, which reflects the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the region.
Additionally, PM Modi addressed the Indian diaspora during a special event dubbed ‘Hala Modi’, further emphasizing the vital contributions Indians have made to Kuwait’s society and economy. He acknowledged that many Indians have enriched Kuwaiti culture and infrastructure, thereby integrating Indian skills and traditions within the local context. Furthermore, he encouraged the Indian community to participate actively in India’s development trajectory, aiming for the nation to emerge as a developed country by 2047.
PM Modi expressed his contentment with the diverse representation of Indians in Kuwait, which he described as a ‘mini-Hindustan’. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to hold meetings with Kuwaiti leaders, including the Emir, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.
The Arabian Gulf Cup is a significant regional sporting event, hosted biennially by Kuwait, featuring eight participating nations including GCC countries. This tournament holds cultural and social importance in fostering unity and friendly competition among the Gulf states. The diplomatic visit by PM Narendra Modi reflects India’s commitment to strengthening relationships with Gulf nations, particularly as a large Indian expatriate community resides in Kuwait, contributing to various sectors from education to infrastructure. This interaction illustrates India’s proactive approach to global engagement as it positions itself as a growing global power.
The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kuwait not only marks a historic diplomatic outreach but also reaffirms the vital connection between India and Kuwait, particularly through the lens of sporting events like the Arabian Gulf Cup and the invaluable contributions of the Indian diaspora. By participating in key cultural and sporting events, India strengthens its ties and showcases its global growth potential. Through continued engagement with Kuwait’s leadership and its diverse Indian community, the foundation is laid for enhanced cooperation and mutual development in the coming years.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
