PM Modi Receives Guard of Honor in Kuwait, India-Kuwait Could Become Strategic Partners

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with a Guard of Honor in Kuwait on the final day of his two-day visit to the Gulf nation. He is the second Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait in the past 43 years, following former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the deep and historic ties between India and Kuwait, with both countries exploring opportunities to transform their traditional buyer-seller relationship into a strategic partnership.

PM Modi's visit, which marks the first trip of an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in over four decades, was at the invitation of Kuwait's Emir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Modi noted that both countries are prepared to explore new possibilities in the oil and gas sectors, thereby strengthening their strategic collaboration. He also highlighted India's support for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and capable Palestinian state through dialogue, as well as the importance of achieving peace in Gaza and Ukraine.

Immense Potential for India-Kuwait Cooperation

Kuwait is India’s sixth-largest supplier of crude oil and the fourth-largest supplier of LPG. With India emerging as the third-largest global consumer of energy, oil, and LPG, PM Modi highlighted the immense potential for further cooperation. Kuwait holds approximately 6.5% of the world’s oil reserves, and Modi pointed out that the petrochemical sector offers another promising opportunity for collaboration. India’s rapidly growing petrochemical industry is expected to reach a value of $300 billion by 2025. Modi emphasized that the energy partnership between the two countries is not only an economic pillar but also a driving force for sustainable and diverse development, paving the way for shared prosperity.

Importance of Gulf Cooperation

Prime Minister Modi also emphasized the significance of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for India. The GCC, which includes six Middle Eastern countries, is an essential partner for India. The region accounts for approximately one-sixth of India’s total trade, and nearly one-third of the Indian diaspora resides in the Gulf. Modi noted that the 9 million Indians living in the region contribute positively to its economic growth. He also highlighted that the Indian community plays a vital role as a bridge between India and the Gulf nations. Trade and commerce have long been crucial pillars of their bilateral relations, and Modi expressed his satisfaction with the growing presence of 'Made in India' products in Kuwait.

VIDEO | PM Modi (@narendramodi) receives ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour in Kuwait.

PM Modi is on his two-day visit to the Gulf nation, the first for any Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. He is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad… pic.twitter.com/BamDkxqseW

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 22, 2024