PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Kuwait, starts addressing the Indian diaspora at the Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Sports Complex in the ‘Hala Modi’ event on Saturday. With his visit, PM Modi becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to have visited Kuwait, the Gulf nation, in the last 43 years.
In his address to the Indian diaspora, PM said, “People from North, West, East and South, who speak different languages are here- ‘lekin sab ke dil me ek hi goonj hai – Bhatrat Mata Ki Jai. “
He added, “Just 2–2.5 hours ago, I arrived in Kuwait, and ever since setting foot here, I have felt an extraordinary sense of belonging and warmth all around. You all have come from various states of India, but seeing you here feels like a ‘Mini Hindustan’ has gathered before me.”
The PM told Indian diaspora, “You have filled Kuwait’s canvas with colours of Indian skills, mixed essence of India’s talent, tech & tradition.” PM in his address said that India leads the world in receiving remittances, this credit goes to all of you hardworking people. About Kuwait’s leadership, he said ,” Whenever I speak to Kuwait’s leadership, they always praise Indian community,”
Notably, 9 lakh Indians are part of Kuwait’s workforce, which accounts for 30 per cent of the total workforce in the country. Overall, Indians constitute 21 per cent (1 million) of the total population of the Gulf nation.
Kuwait, which is among India’s top trading partners, has a bilateral trade of USD 10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24. Kuwait is India’s sixth largest crude supplier, meeting 3 per cent of the country’s energy needs.
For the first time, Indian exports to Kuwait reached USD 2 billion, while investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceeded USD 10 billion. Traditionally, India and Kuwait have enjoyed traditionally friendly relations, with links dating back to pre-oil Kuwait when maritime trade with India was the backbone of its economy.
Until 1961, the Indian rupee remained legal tender in Kuwait, which symbolises the deep economic and cultural ties between both nations. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were formally established in 1961, with India initially represented by a trade commissioner.
