NEW DELHI: In a rare and heartfelt diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, personally came to the airport to see off Indian counterpart Narendra Modi as he prepared to depart for India.
The unexpected gesture highlights the warmth and respect shared between the two nations, marking a significant moment in their ongoing bilateral relationship.
Following his two-day “successful” visit to Kuwait, PM Modi left for India. “A historic & successful visit to Kuwait concludes! PM @narendramodi emplanes for New Delhi,” stated Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X.
This marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait since four decades.
The visit included comprehensive discussions between PM Modi and Kuwait’s leadership, particularly with Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, focusing on strengthening collaboration in IT, pharmaceuticals, fintech, infrastructure and security sectors.
“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,” PM Modi shared on X.
Substantial discussions took place between PM Modi and Kuwaiti Prime Minister Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, aiming to enhance bilateral relations.
The Kuwaiti leadership bestowed their highest distinction – ‘The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer’ – upon Prime Minister Modi, recognising his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations.
During his stay, PM Modi engaged with the Indian community and visited a labour camp. Indians constitute the largest expatriate population in Kuwait, numbering over one million.
Kuwait remains a crucial trading ally for India, with bilateral trade reaching USD 10.47 billion in 2023-24.
As India’s sixth-largest crude oil supplier, Kuwait fulfils 3 per cent of India’s energy requirements.
Indian exports to Kuwait surpassed USD 2 billion for the first time, while the Kuwait Investment Authority’s investments in India exceeded USD 10 billion.