Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kuwait on December 21-22 to boost bilateral ties and energy cooperation. This marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Kuwait in 43 years.
Modi’s visit is at the invitation of the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He will hold talks with Kuwait’s leadership and engage with the Indian community, according to the external affairs ministry.
“The visit will further strengthen the multifaceted ties between India and Kuwait,” said the ministry.
The last visit by an Indian prime minister to Kuwait was by Indira Gandhi in 1981. Former vice president Hamid Ansari visited in 2009, while Kuwait’s prime minister visited India in 2013. Modi also met Kuwait’s crown prince at the UN General Assembly in September.
India and Kuwait share close ties based on history, economy, and strong people-to-people connections. India is one of Kuwait’s top trading partners. Bilateral trade reached $10.47 billion in 2023-24. Indian exports grew from $1.56 billion in 2022-23 to $2.1 billion in 2023-24, marking a 34.7% year-on-year increase.
