Modi will visit Kuwait, first visit by an Indian PM in 43 years

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on an official visit to Kuwait on 21-22 December. The PM is going there on the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years. During this visit, the PM will meet the senior leadership of Kuwait. Besides, there is also a program of talks with Indians. Kuwait and India have traditionally been countries close to each other. Both the countries are linked with strong economic ties and people-to-people relations. This visit of PM is taking place at a time when there is immense turmoil in the Middle East. Kuwait is currently chairing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and apart from cooperation with this organization, this visit also holds strategic importance for India. Recently, Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya had visited India and during that time Modi was invited to visit Kuwait. The PM had then said that under the current chairmanship of the GCC, cooperation between India and the GCC will strengthen. It was during that time that he/she accepted this invitation.

Why is Modi’s Kuwait visit important?

More than 10 lakh Indians live in Kuwait. This country is a major supplier of crude oil and LPG to India. Kuwait is the only country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not yet visited. This visit of Modi will not only strengthen India-Kuwait relations, but will also be helpful in increasing India’s diplomatic and economic presence in the Gulf region. Recently, Kuwait hosted the summit of GCC countries, where it appealed for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. India has supported efforts to prevent conflict and establish peace in West Asia.