PM Modi’s Visit To Kuwait: Significant Stride Towards Relationships

The recent two-day trip of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to Kuwait (December 21-22, 2024) ought to have been one of the most important moments in the diplomatic initiatives and engagements of this country as it highlighted the deep-rooted relations between the two countries. This historic tour was rich in significance spanning from economic partnerships, cultural exchanges, to wellness collaborations. We will explore five important aspects of the tour, which were constraints in the India-Kuwait relations and their efforts in addressing them.

Improvement of Bilateral Relations between Kuwait and India

As his engagements with Various Kuwaiti officials reveal, a goal for his trip was to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries This was during the exchanges of pleasantries and discussions on broad relations of the two countries which included trade, investment and culture.

India has a significant trade footprint in Kuwait and vice versa. There has been a close economic relationship especially in the energy trade. The leaders explored possibilities to enhance more trade including in the areas of technology, education, and renewable energy. Both countries having ambitions in having a cleaner world also discussed about possible collaboration in developing green energy projects towards the global fight against climate change.

Furthermore, the meetings reaffirmed the strategic relations of the two countries and strengthened their status as partners and allies across the globe. This improvement in chances for better interdependence bodes well for the future of India-Kuwait ties.

PM Modi Awarded Mubarak Al Kabeer Order in Kuwait

One of the most coveted occasions of the visit was the occasion when PM Modi was awarded the Mubarak Al Kabeer Order that is the highest recognition given to a civilian in Kuwait. This award was conferred on PM Modi by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and is emblematic of the cordial and mutually respectful relationship existing between the two countries.

PM Modi’s acceptance speech was emotional as he pointed out that this award will belong to the people of India. This episode brought the attention that India as a country is gaining on the international field. The award conveys Kuwait’s understanding of India’s prospects in the region notably trade and expansion of culture and communities in and out of Kuwait.

For its part, this award adds to the storyline of a strong and well-respected alliance with the Gulf states for India. It also epitomizes the respect and confidence that Kuwait has regarding Indo leadership and its pursuit of peace and progress in the area.

Cultural Exchanges: Promotion of Ramayana and Mahabharata in Arabic Language

The focus on cultural exchanges was amongst the highlight of PM Modi’s visit particularly with reference to the translation of the Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata to Arabic. This initiative, spearheaded by Kuwaiti academicians Abdullah Al-Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al- Nesef is an americanism of sorts that encapsulates two civilizations in terms of institutionalized admiration.

Indian culture has been and continues to be appreciated around the world for its depth and variety. The aim of this project is to help familiarise the larger audience of the Gulf and Arab world to Indian heritage by making available these classic narratives in Arabic. This paves way for deeper cultural bond and enhances the relationship between the two nations especially India and Kuwait.

Cultural exchanges like these go beyond symbolic gestures—they are vital for nurturing mutual respect and understanding. The universal themes of family, morality and endurance that characterize Indian epics are easily relatable to, and this has helped in cementing the age old ties between the two nations.

Fostering People-to-People Connections in Kuwait

A considerable portion of PM Modi’s Tour was focused on strengthening people to people relationship which he deemed as the most important aspect of India-Kuwait relations. There are about one million Indians living in Kuwait and this community plays a very important role in the economy and society of this country.

The Prime Minister sought connections with influential Kuwaiti figures for historical trade ties, with Mr. Fahad Ghazi Al-Abduljalil as one such partner. Mr. Al-Abduljalil’s family originates from Indian cities including Surat and Mumbai, which explains why there has been a strong history of commerce and culture with this region for centuries.

During the diaspora event, the Prime Minister furthered emphasised that the Indian government is not passive in the face of their diaspora issues. This visit also expressed appreciation on behalf of Indians for the assistance of the Kuwaiti government during some crises like the evacuation of Indian nationals from the COVID-19 Pandemic. Deepening these human linkages indeed are the conditions for perpetuation of good faith and cooperation of the countries involved at the very base.

Yoga as a Global Link between India and Kuwait

The globalization of yoga was a strong expectation during connectivity with the eminent wellness advocate from Kuwait, Her Highness Sheikha Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah. The Sheikha is herself a yoga instructor and her wellness studio is yet another example of a growing worldwide trend to use yoga for health and mental well-being promotion.

Originating from India, yoga has grown in popularity overseas. This is also the case in Kuwait where yoga has found a following as part of a quest for good health and overall wellness. Modi’s comments on yoga and its connection with India and the world also highlights the use of yoga in diplomacy as a soft power asset.

The June 21st date for the global event is the International Day of Yoga makes the global Indian nation-state’s cultural calcification appear even more. By promoting yoga in Kuwait, PM Modi was not only able to promote the health aspects of yoga but also showcased India’s leadership in global health promotion.

Conclusion: A Landmark Development in India-Kuwait Ties

PM Modi’s visit to Kuwait, apart from being a diplomatic one, is more of a friendship enduring exercise and an expansion of strategic relations. The visit reinforced the values, history, and hopes that both nations believe in, possess, and seek for.

The visit has begun with the receipt of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Order through strengthening cultural ties and wellness to enhance business communication. It has been oriented towards strengthening economic relations, building people to people linkages, and enhancing cultural exchange through promoting diplomacy.

This visit is particularly meaningful for India and Kuwait relations as it is coming at a time when both the countries are enjoined together moving forward in this global village. The results of this visit will surely influence the development of India-Kuwait relations for many years to come and will establish the framework for international relationships based on respect, trust, and common good.

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