PM Modi emplanes for Kuwait Photo: PTI PM Modi emplanes for Kuwait Photo: PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in Kuwait City for his two-day visit to the Gulf nation on the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabahsaid. PM Modi in his departure statement said that India and the Gulf nation have shared interest in peaceslot paraiso, security and stability of the West Asian region.

The Congress took a swipe at PM Modi calling him the "frequent flyer PM" and said that his foreign trips continue while the people of Manipur continue to wait for him to visit the violence-hit state.

The Ministry of External Affairs shared the itinerary of PM Modi's visit and stated that the two countries are expected to focus on shoring up ties in a range of key areas including defence and trade.

It will be the first trip to the Gulf nation by an Indian prime minister in 43 years.

Starting the tournament as clear favourites, Paris Olympics bronze-medallists India haven't disappointed so far, beating hosts China 3-0, Japan 5-1, trouncing Malaysia 8-1 before registering a 3-1 victory against Korea in their last match.

These two teams are meeting for the first time in the tournament in pool stage.

PM Modi's visit to Kuwait is taking place two weeks after the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria and the continuing Israeli offensive in Gaza.

PM Modi's Departure Statement

In a departure statement, PM Modi said his talks with top Kuwaiti leadership would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership between India and Kuwait.

"We deeply value the historical connection with Kuwait that has been 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," he said.

Modi said he was looking forward to his meetings with the Emir, the Crown Prince and the prime minister of Kuwait.

"It would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of our people and the region," he said.

"I eagerly look forward to meeting the Indian diaspora in Kuwait who have immensely contributed to strengthening of bonds of friendship between the two nations," he added.

Congress Reminds PM Of Manipur Unrest

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, said, "Such is their fate, As Mr. Modi refuses to find a date, The people of Manipur continue to wait, While the Frequent Flyer PM is off to Kuwait."

The Congress has repeatedly urged PM Modi to visit Manipur, stressing that it would help restore peace and normalcy in the strife-torn state.

The ethnic violence in Manipur first broke out on May 3 last year after a tribal solidarity march in the hill districts of the state to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

Since then, more than 220 people belonging to Meitei and Kuki communities and security personnel have been killed in the violence.

Singnificance Of PM Modi's Kuwait Trip

The Ministry of External Affairs sharing the itinerary of PM Modi's trip which will include:

holding talks with the top Kuwaiti leadership

visiting an Indian labour camp

addressing the Indian community

attending the opening ceremony of the Gulf Cup football tournament

A day ahead of the prime minister's trip, the MEA said discussions are underway with Kuwait on a bilateral investment treaty and a defence cooperation pact.

At a media briefing, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs) in the MEA, said a few bilateral documents are expected to be firmed up during the prime minister's visit.

"The historic visit by the prime minister is expected to open a new chapter in India-Kuwait bilateral relations," he said.

"It will not only consolidate the partnership in existing spheres but also unveil new avenues for future cooperation, reinforce our shared values and build a more stronger and dynamic partnership for the future," he added.

Chatterjee said the visit is also expected to boost the ties between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

On Modi's planned visit to a labour camp in Kuwait, Chatterjee said the government of India attaches considerable importance to the welfare of all the Indian workers abroad.

"The idea of the visit of the prime minister to the labour camp is to express the amount of importance the government of India attaches to our workers. That is the prime purpose," he said.

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Over 45 Indians were killed in devastating fire in a building housing foreign workers in southern Kuwait's Mangaf locality in June.

The prime minister is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Modi will review with the Kuwaiti leadership the entire spectrum of bilateral ties including in areas of trade, investment, energy, culture and people-to-people contacts, he said.

"The visit would help develop a more dynamic partnership between the two countries," Chatterjee said.

The Kuwaiti Crown Prince will also to host a banquet for Modi, he added.

The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981.

India is among the top trading partners of Kuwait. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait.slot paraiso