Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make historic visit to Kuwait: Here's what on agenda

PM Narendra Modi is due to arrive in historic two-day Kuwait visit on Saturday, Dec. 21. No Indian prime minister has visited Kuwait in 43 years.

PM Modi is on Kuwait visit by Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. PM will also hold bilateral talks with Emir, Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah and also meet the Indian diaspora in a mega ceremony ‘Hala Modi’. Over 5,000 Inian residents are said to be due to participate in the celebrations.

Indian prime minister visit will also receive a symbolic guard of honour at the Bayan Palace before having talks with Kuwait’s authorities.

PM Modi’s appearance in the Gulf Cooperation Council is highly consequential and will help boost bilateral relations in all spheres. PM Modi will review all the bilateral relations with Kuwaiti leadership during the meetings – politics, India-Kuwait trade, investment, energy, culture and community relations.

Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs told reporters on his way to the PM’s arrival that the visit is of "significant importance".

"The PM will also meet the Indian diaspora at the community gathering and also go to a labour camp." He will also attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup football tournament attended by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait. India’s relations with the Gulf, in this sense, have shifted. The Honourable PM is focused on deepening and deepening our cooperation with the Gulf States," he continued..

The Indian population of Kuwait numbers more than 1 million, says Chatterjee. Chatterjee said PM Modi’s visit to labour camp will demonstrate how much importance India places on protecting all foreign workers.

India’s first-ever exports to Kuwait reached $2 billion, and the Kuwait Investment Authority’s investments in India totalled more than $10 billion.