India has skill, technology, manpower that ‘New’ Kuwait needs, says PM Modi; praises diaspora’s role | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Kuwait on Saturday, highlighted India’s readiness to support the development of a ‘New Kuwait’ with its vast pool of manpower, expertise, and cutting-edge technology. He praised the Indian diaspora for enriching the nation with their skills and contributions.
PM Modi, visiting at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait in over four decades.
Addressing the Indian diaspora, he said, “After 43 years, more than four decades, an Indian Prime Minister has come to Kuwait. It takes four hours to reach Kuwait from India but it took four decades for the Prime Minister,”
PM Modi commended the strong cultural and commercial ties between India and Kuwait, noting that their partnership is scaling new heights. “In the past, the relationship that was built by culture and commerce is scaling new heights today. Today, Kuwait is an important energy and trade partner of India. For the Kuwaiti companies too, India is a huge investment destination. His Highness Crown Prince of Kuwait, during our meeting in New York, said, ‘When you are in need, India is your destination.’ The citizens of India and Kuwait have always helped each other in times of distress,” he added.
Highlighting shared aspirations, the Prime Minister said, “In the decades to come, we will become partners in our prosperity. Our goals aren’t different! The people of Kuwait are building New Kuwait. The people of Bharat are working to build India into a developed nation by 2047.”
During his visit, PM Modi toured the Gulf Spic Labour Camp, where over 90% of the residents are Indians, and engaged with the expatriate community, which numbers around one million in Kuwait. He expressed admiration for their contributions, saying, “Their energy, love, and unwavering connection to India are truly inspiring. Proud of their role in strengthening ties between our nations.”
PM Modi also met 101-year-old former IFS officer Mangal Sain Handa, publisher Abdul Lateef Al-Nesef, and translator Abdullah Al-Baroun, who brought Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata to Arabic-speaking audiences.
On his arrival, PM Modi was received by Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s first deputy prime minister and minister of defence and interior, along with foreign minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and other dignitaries. He described the warm welcome as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations.