PM Modi Kuwait Visit Live Updates: PM Modi leaves for Delhi after completing his 2-day visit to Kuwait

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday agreed to elevate India-Kuwait relations and discussed cooperation in key sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT, FinTech, infrastructure, and security, marks a pivotal moment in the two nations' long-standing relationship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks today with Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait.

"The two leaders discussed a roadmap to strengthen the strategic partnership in areas including political, trade, investment, energy, defence, security, health, education, technology, cultural, and people-to-people ties," MEA said in a statement.

PM Modi also invited the Prime Minister of Kuwait to visit India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday received Kuwait's highest honour, the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, further expanding his collection of international awards. This recognition is the latest in a series of accolades conferred upon him during his foreign visits.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his landmark two-day visit to Kuwait, emphasized the pivotal role of trade and commerce in bolstering India-Kuwait relations. His visit, at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years.

In an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Saturday, PM Modi highlighted the robust growth in bilateral trade, underscoring the energy partnership and the growing footprint of "Made in India" products across Kuwait’s markets.

"Trade and commerce have been integral to our bilateral ties, and our trade volumes are on the rise. The energy partnership uniquely strengthens our relationship," said the Prime Minister.

He further noted, "We are proud to see 'Made in India' products, especially in sectors like automobiles, electrical and mechanical machinery, and telecommunications, gaining traction in Kuwait. India is now producing world-class goods at highly competitive prices. Diversifying into non-oil trade will be crucial for expanding our bilateral economic engagement."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, marking their first official meeting. The discussions took place at the Bayan Palace, where PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and greeted by Kuwait’s Prime Minister, His Highness Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The two leaders reflected on the enduring historical and friendly relations between India and Kuwait, reaffirming their commitment to further enhance bilateral cooperation. In a significant move, they agreed to elevate the relationship to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ to strengthen collaboration across key sectors, according to a statement by ministry of external affairs.

PM Modi expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Amir for ensuring the welfare of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, which numbers over one million. The Amir praised the Indian community for its vital contributions to Kuwait’s development, emphasizing their role in fostering bilateral ties.

PM Modi announced the decision to elevate India-Kuwait ties to the level of strategic partnership following an "excellent meeting" with the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah at the Bayan Palace.

"We discussed cooperation in key sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT, FinTech, Infrastructure and security. In line with the close ties between our nations, we have elevated our partnership to a strategic one and I am optimistic that our friendship will flourish even more in the times to come," the PM posted on X.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour at the Bayan Palace here ahead of his talks with Kuwait's top leadership on Sunday. Modi reached Kuwait on Saturday for a two-day visit. He is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His visit is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Kuwait's highest civilian honour, the 'Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer,' during a ceremony held on Sunday at the Bayan Palace. The award, which recognizes his efforts in strengthening India-Kuwait ties, was presented by the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The 'Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer' is a distinguished knighthood reserved for heads of state, foreign sovereigns, and royal family members as a symbol of friendship and goodwill. Among its notable recipients are former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush, as well as Britain’s Prince Charles, underscoring its global prestige.

Prime Minister Modi’s accolade comes during his two-day visit to the Gulf nation, aimed at bolstering India’s diplomatic and economic relations with Kuwait.

Kuwait bestows its highest honour The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer to PM Modi. This is the 20th international honour given to PM Modi by a country.

The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer is a knighthood order of Kuwait. The Order is awarded to Heads of State and foreign Sovereigns and to members of foreign royal families in sign of friendship.

It has been previously awarded to foreign leaders like Bill Clinton, Prince Charles and George Bush.

The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981. India is among the top trading partners of Kuwait. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait.

The Gulf nation is among India's top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at 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.

Indian exports to Kuwait reached USD 2 billion for the first time, while investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceed USD 10 billion.

PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace, Kuwait. The Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah also present during the ceremony.

The details of the meeting were also shared by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs on X.

"A special welcome on historic visit! PM Narendra Modi arrives at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait to a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour. Warmly received by HH Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, PM of Kuwait. Extensive talks with HH the Amir, Crown Prince and PM of Kuwait lie ahead."

A special welcome on historic visit!

PM Modi arrives at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait to a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour. Warmly received by HH Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, PM of.

PM Narendra Modi engaged in comprehensive discussions with Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in trade, investment and energy sectors.

The Indian Prime Minister's visit, which began on Saturday, marks the first such visit by an Indian head of government to this Gulf state in over four decades.

The prime minister is also meeting Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah.

The talks are set to focus on shoring up ties in a range of key areas including defence and trade, officials said earlier.

The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited the Gulf Spic Labour Camp in Kuwait, where he interacted with Indian workers and highlighted their contribution to the country's development.

PM Modi spoke about the aspirations of Indian workers, linking them to his vision for a "Viksit Bharat 2047" (Developed India 2047).

Interacting with the Indian workers, he stated, "I talk about Viksit Bharat 2047 because the labour brothers of my country who have come so far to work also think about how an international airport can be made in his village. This aspiration is the strength of my country."

The Prime Minister also emphasised the hard work of Indian farmers and labourers. "I keep thinking the whole day about how hard our farmers work, how hard our labourers work in the fields," he said.

He expressed that seeing their dedication motivates him to work harder, adding, When I see all these people working hard, I feel that if they work for 10 hours, then I should also work for 11 hours if they work for 11 hours, then I should also work for 12 hours."

PM Modi also shared his personal motivation, saying, "Do you work hard for your family or not? I also work for my family, there are 140 crore people in my family, so I have to work a little more."

"India's traditional medicine--Ayurveda--and our Ayush products are prospering the world's wellness... Our knowledge system from Nalanda to IITs is providing strength to the world's knowledge system... Last year, during the G20 summit, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor was announced. This corridor is going to give a new direction to the world," PM Modi said.

"The journey toward a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, cannot be completed without the active participation of the Indian diaspora. Therefore, I invite all of you to join in the spirit of Viksit Bharat! In January 2025, we will celebrate a month full of national festivals. From January 8th to 10th, Bhubaneswar will host the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, where people from around the world will visit India to commemorate this occasion," he added.

PM Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years.

On his arrival, PM Modi was welcomed by Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, along with Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and other high-ranking officials.

At a community gathering titled "Hala Modi" at Kuwait's Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora, expressing his vision of India's pivotal role in global development and economic advancement.

During his address, PM Modi emphasised India's significant progress across multiple sectors, including technological advancement, infrastructural development, and environmental sustainability.

"Today, India is the fifth-largest economy in the world. We lead the world in fintech and have the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. India is also the second-largest mobile manufacturing country in the world," PM Modi said.

"The India of the future will be the hub of the development of the world... it will be the growth engine of the world," he added.
He also highlighted India's technological achievements, noting that in the previous ten years, India had installed optical fibre networks spanning a length equivalent to eight times the distance between Earth and the Moon.

The Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates have sent messages of congratulations to Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, on the first anniversary of his accession to the throne.

The messages were sent by Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi of Sharjah, Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of Ajman, Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi of Fujairah, Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla of Umm Al Qaiwain, and Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah.

Their Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers sent similar messages of congratulations to His Highness Emir of Kuwait. (ANI)

"Glad to have met His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah during the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as the chief guest at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium here, on his two-day visit to the Gulf nation, the first for any Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. Kuwait was scheduled to play Oman in the opening game of the eight-team tournament.

"The relationship between India and Kuwait is of civilisations, of the ocean, of trade. India and Kuwait are situated on two banks of the Arabian Sea. We are linked not just by diplomacy but also by our hearts. Not only our present but also our past connects us," said PM Modi.

"India was one of the first countries in the world to recognise Kuwait after its independence. So, visiting a country, a society with which I have so many memories... is very memorable for me. I am very grateful to the people of Kuwait and the Government here," said PM Modi.

"While people of Kuwait are dedicated to building 'New Kuwait,' people of India are striving to create developed India by 2047. India's StartUps, from FinTech, smart technology to green technology, can develop cutting-edge solutions for Kuwait's needs. In the coming decades, India and Kuwait will also become significant partners in prosperity," said PM Modi.

"India's traditional medicine - Ayurveda and our Ayush products are prospering the World's wellness... Our knowledge system from Nalanda to IITs is providing strength to the World's knowledge system. Last year, during the G-20 summit, the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor was announced, this corridor is going to give a new direction to the world," said PM Modi.

"Whenever I speak to Kuwait's leadership, they always praise you all. The citizens of Kuwait hold great respect for you Indians because of your hard work, honesty, and skills. Today, India leads the world in remittances, and a significant part of this credit goes to all of you hardworking companions. The people of India also honour your contributions," said PM Modi.

"Kuwait through trade and innovation, wants to be a dynamic economy. India is also focusing on innovation and strengthening its economy. India has the skill, technology, innovation and manpower that 'New' Kuwait needs," said PM Modi.

"Indian community's doctors & paramedics are major strength of Kuwait's medical infrastructure. Indian teachers are helping shape Kuwait's future generations. Whenever I speak to Kuwait's leadership, they always praise Indian community," says PM Modi to diaspora.

"Every year, hundreds of Indians come to Kuwait. You have added Indian touch to Kuwaiti society. You all have come from different parts of India, but looking at all of you, it feels like a mini India has gathered here,' says PM Modi to diaspora.

"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," said PM Modi.