Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the relationship between India and Kuwait is one of civilizations, seas and commerce and added that the two nations have always stood by each other.
Addressing a large gathering of the Indian community in a special event ‘Hala Modi’ at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex in Kuwait city, the PM recounted that when India required oxygen during the Covid-19 pandemic, then Kuwait provided India with liquid oxygen. He also thanked the leadership for providing all help during the fire at a labour camp in June that killed 47 Indians.
He said India, as a Vishwa Mitra, is moving forward with a vision for the greater good of the world. The India of the future will be the hub of global development… the growth engine of the world, he said.
India is well-equipped to meet the world’s demand for skilled talent, the PM said to loud applause.
He thanked the Amir of Kuwait for his gracious invitation to visit Kuwait and stated that it was after 43 years that an Indian Prime Minister was visiting Kuwait to strengthen and solidify the age-old friendship.
Reflecting on India’s strong commitment to support Indian workers in Kuwait and elsewhere in the Gulf, he talked about technology-based initiatives undertaken by the Government such as E-Migrate portal among others.
Prime Minister Modi urged the diaspora members to participate in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and Maha Kumbh to be held in India in January 2025.
The PM later attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as ‘Guest of Honour’, on the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait.
The Prime Minister joined the Amir, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister of Kuwait in witnessing the grand opening ceremony. The event also provided an opportunity for an informal interaction of the Prime Minister with the leadership of Kuwait.
Kuwait is hosting the biennial Arabian Gulf Cup with participation from eight countries, including GCC nations, Iraq, and Yemen. This football tournament is one of the most prominent sporting events in the region. Kuwait has won the tournament maximum times among the participating countries. Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to all the participating countries, a statement said.
Earlier, as the first program of his visit to Kuwait, Prime Minister Modi visited a labour camp in Mina Abdullah area of Kuwait with a workforce of around 1,500 Indian nationals. Prime Minister Modi interacted with a cross-section of Indian workers from different States of India and enquired about their well-being.
The visit to the labour camp is symbolic of the importance attached by the Prime Minister to the welfare of Indian workers abroad. In the last few years, the Government has undertaken several technology-based initiatives such as E-Migrate portal, MADAD portal and upgraded Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana for the welfare of Indian workers abroad.
