Modi's Kuwait trip first by an Indian PM in 43 yrs; stresses on strategic partnership
Modi expressed optimism about expanding bilateral collaboration, particularly in energy, trade, and technology sectors.
Modi expressed optimism about expanding bilateral collaboration, particularly in energy, trade, and technology sectors.
Modi expressed optimism about expanding bilateral collaboration, particularly in energy, trade, and technology sectors.
Kuwait City/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the deep and historic ties between India and Kuwait, highlighting the potential to elevate their traditional buyer-seller relationship into a strategic partnership across the entire oil and gas value chain.
Arriving in Kuwait on Saturday for a two-day visit—the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over 43 years—Modi expressed optimism about expanding bilateral collaboration, particularly in energy, trade, and technology sectors, reported PTI.
In an interview with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the PM reiterated India's commitment to fostering peace in conflict zones like Gaza and Ukraine, stating that battlefield solutions are unsustainable. He stressed the need for sincere, practical engagement among stakeholders to achieve negotiated settlements. Modi also reaffirmed India's support for a two-state solution, advocating for a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestine within secure and recognised borders.
India, currently the third-largest global consumer of energy, oil, and LPG, has significant energy ties with Kuwait, which serves as its sixth-largest crude oil and fourth-largest LPG supplier. Modi noted that Kuwait, holding 6.5 per cent of the world’s oil reserves, offers immense potential for further collaboration, particularly as India's petrochemical sector is projected to reach $300 billion by 2025.
The Prime Minister described energy as a cornerstone of the India-Kuwait economic partnership, driving sustainable growth and shared prosperity. He also highlighted the importance of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—of which Kuwait is a member—underscoring its significance for India's trade and cultural connections. The GCC accounts for one-sixth of India’s total trade while hosting about nine million Indian expatriates who contribute to the region's economic growth.
Modi expressed pride in the growing presence of 'Made in India' products in Kuwait, particularly in sectors like automobiles, machinery, and telecommunications. He advocated diversifying bilateral trade into areas such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, technology, innovation, and textiles.
He described the Indian community as a "living bridge" between the two nations, fostering stronger ties through cultural and economic contributions. The Prime Minister also noted the historic trade links between India and Kuwait, which have connected the two countries for centuries.
During his visit, Modi is set to meet Kuwait’s Emir, Crown Prince, and Prime Minister to further strengthen the bilateral partnership.