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PM Modi, the first Indian leader to visit Kuwait in 43 years, sought to highlight India’s achievements in several fields like space and startup ecosystem during the ‘Hala Modi’ event.
PM Modi addressing the ‘Hala Modi’ event in Kuwait. (Photo: ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the “Hala Modi” event in Kuwait on Saturday, where he highlighted a “mini India” in the Gulf nation. During his address, the Prime Minister pitched for greater cooperation between the two countries and highlighted India’s achievements in space, startup ecosystem, fintech and technology.
In his opening remarks, PM Modi said, “After 43 years, more than four decades, a PM of India has come to Kuwait. For you all, coming to India takes four hours, but for the PM, it took four decades.”
“Just 2–2.5 hours ago, I arrived in Kuwait, and ever since setting foot here, I have felt an extraordinary sense of belonging and warmth all around. You all have come from various states of India, but seeing you here feels like a ‘Mini Hindustan’ has gathered before me,” he added.
PM Modi Lauds Indian Diaspora In Kuwait
Prime Minister Modi heaped praises on the Indian community in the country, saying they have added an Indian touch to the Kuwaiti society. “You have filled Kuwait’s canvas with colours of Indian skills, mixed essence of India’s talent, technology and tradition,” he said.
He also highlighted how Indian doctors and paramedics have strengthened Kuwait’s medical infrastructure and how Indian teachers are shaping up the future generations of the country. “Whenever I speak to Kuwait’s leadership, they always praise the Indian community,” he further said.
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“The citizens of Kuwait hold great respect for you Indians because of your hard work, honesty, and skills. Today, India leads the world in remittances, and a significant part of this credit goes to all of you hardworking companions. The people of India also honour your contributions,” he said at the event.
PM Modi On India-Kuwait Relations
The Prime Minister described the relations between India and Kuwait as one of “civilisations, sea, affection, trade and commerce”. “India and Kuwait are located on two opposite shores of the Arabian sea, but it is not diplomacy that has connected us, but the bonds of the heart,” he mentioned.
Modi recalled Kuwait’s support in providing liquid oxygen when India needed it the most, lauding Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah for taking responsibility for the task himself. In return, Modi expressed satisfaction that India sent vaccines and medical teams to Kuwait when the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asserting that India and Kuwait are linked by the present and their past, PM Modi pitched for greater cooperation between the two countries, asserting that India has the manpower, skills and technology needed by “New Kuwait”.
“While people of Kuwait are dedicated to building ‘New Kuwait,’ people of India are striving to create developed India by 2047,” he added. “From startups, FinTech, smart technology to green technology, India can develop cutting-edge solutions for Kuwait’s needs.”
The PM also highlighted that India was one of the first countries to recognise Kuwait’s independence. “I know you people are excited for the Arabian Gulf Cup to start and to cheer for Kuwait, I have been invited as a guest of honour, it shows that the Royal Family, the govt of Kuwait respects India,” he added.
‘India Will Be Growth Engine Of World’: PM Modi
Highlighting India’s accomplishments in recent years, Prime Minister Modi said the day is not far when India will become the hub of global development and the growth engine of the world. He exemplified this by saying that smart digital systems are no longer a luxury, but an integral part of the everyday life of a common man.
“Which Indian would not feel proud about the success of the Mangalyaan mission? Which Indian would not feel happy about the Chandrayaan probe landing on the Moon? Today’s India is moving forward with fresh vigour. Today, India is the fifth-largest economy. It has the world’s number 1 fintech system. It has the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem and the second-largest mobile infrastructure,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister said India in the future will become a global hub for green energy, pharma, electronics, automobiles, semiconductors, legal insurance and contractual commerce. He emphasised that countries are already opening the doors to India’s skilled manpower and India is already signing agreements for the welfare of Indians working abroad.
“India is moving forward as a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ with a vision of global prosperity and the world respects this vision… Last year, during the G-20 summit, the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor was announced. This corridor is going to give a new direction to the world,” he added while inviting everyone to join India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative.
Modi arrived in Kuwait for a historic two-day visit in Kuwait to a resounding welcome from the Indian diaspora, as his visit marked the first trip to the Gulf nation by an Indian prime minister in the last 43 years. The trip comes at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait.
During the visit, PM Modi will hold talks with the top Kuwaiti leadership. He further expressed his confidence that this visit will “strengthen and reinforce the special ties and bonds of friendship between the people of India and Kuwait.”
- Location :
Kuwait City, Kuwait
