On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his landmark visit to Kuwait, interacted with Indian workers at a labour camp in the Mina Abdullah area.
This marked his first official engagement upon arriving in the Gulf nation, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait in 43 years.
The labour camp, home to around 1,500 Indian nationals from various states, witnessed the PM enquiring about workers’ well-being and highlighting welfare measures undertaken by the Indian government over the past decade.
After the visit, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated, “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.”
PM Modi’s visit carries particular significance following a tragic fire in June at a labour housing facility in Kuwait’s Mangaf area, which claimed the lives of several Indian workers.
Swiftly responding to the incident, the government dispatched a high-level delegation to oversee relief efforts, with PM Modi personally monitoring developments despite pressing domestic political commitments.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has since intensified efforts to ensure safety standards at labour camps.
The Prime Minister was warmly received upon his arrival, marking the start of his historic two-day visit to Kuwait, aimed at elevating India’s strong ties with Gulf nations. The visit comes at the invitation of the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The Indian community enthusiastically welcomed PM Modi upon his arrival at the hotel.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “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.”
During the visit, PM Modi also met 101-year-old former diplomat Mangal Sain Handa and received Arabic translations of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, underscoring the enduring cultural exchange between the two nations.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Delighted to have met Shri @MangalSainHanda Ji in Kuwait this afternoon. I admire his contribution to India and his passion for India’s development.”
“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,” the Prime Minister added.
The Prime Minister will receive a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace before holding separate meetings with the Amir and Crown Prince of Kuwait.
Delegation-level talks with the Kuwaiti Prime Minister will follow, during which both sides will review and discuss the full range of bilateral relations, including politics, trade, investment, energy, culture, and people-to-people ties, along with strategies to further strengthen these partnerships.
The Crown Prince will host a banquet in PM Modi’s honour, and the Prime Minister will also attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as a special guest of the Amir of Kuwait.
Earlier, in his departure statement, PM Modi stated, “Today, I am embarking on a two-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. We deeply value the historical connection with Kuwait that has nurtured over generations. We are not just strong trade and energy partners but also have shared interest in peace, security, stability and prosperity in the West Asia region.”
“It would be an opportunity to chalk out a road map for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of our people and the region. 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 statement added.
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