Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his gratitude for the ‘wonderful welcome’, began a historic two-day visit to Kuwait on Saturday. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.
Expressing his gratitude, PM Modi shared on X (formerly Twitter), “Thank you, Kuwait. I’m delighted by the wonderful welcome,” reflecting the warmth of the reception and the significance of this historic visit.
Upon his arrival in Kuwait City, PM Modi was greeted with an enthusiastic reception from the Indian community, who form the largest expatriate group in the country.
“Received a heartwarming welcome from the vibrant Indian diaspora in Kuwait. Their energy, love and unwavering connection to India are truly inspiring. Grateful for their enthusiasm and proud of their contributions to strengthening ties between our nations,” the Prime Minister posted on X.
One of the highlights of his visit was his meeting with 101-year-old Mangal Sain Handa, a retired Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer who now resides in Kuwait.
Handa, who served in various countries including the UK, Iraq, China, and Argentina, retired nearly four decades ago.
PM Modi however exchanged warm greetings with Handa and posed for photos with his family.
Taking to X, the Prime Minister shared, “Delighted to have met Shri @MangalSainHanda Ji in Kuwait this afternoon. I admire his contribution to India and his passion for India’s development.”
The meeting followed a social media post from Handa’s granddaughter, Shreya Juneja, who had requested PM Modi to meet her grandfather during his visit.
Responding personally before boarding Air India One, the Prime Minister expressed his anticipation for the meeting.
“Absolutely! I look forward to meeting @MangalSainHanda Ji in Kuwait today,” wrote PM Modi.
During his interaction with the diaspora, PM Modi also received Arabic translations of the Ramayana and Mahabharata from Abdullah Baron, an effort supported by Abdullateef Alnesef.
The gesture highlighted the cultural connections between India and Kuwait.
Taking to X, PM Modi asserted, “Happy to see Arabic translations of the Ramayan and Mahabharat. I compliment Abdullah Al-Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al-Nesef for their efforts in translating and publishing it. Their initiative highlights the popularity of Indian culture globally.”
Earlier, in his departure statement, PM Modi expressed his eagerness to engage with the Indian community in Kuwait, the largest expatriate group in the country.
“I eagerly look forward to meeting the Indian diaspora in Kuwait who have immensely contributed to the strengthening of bonds of friendship between the two nations,” the Prime Minister asserted.
During his two-day visit to the West Asian nation, the Prime Minister will interact with the Indian diaspora at a community event and also visit a labor camp.
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