Kuwait City [Kuwait]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kuwait to a rousing reception, with members of the Indian diaspora greeting him enthusiastically with cultural performances. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years.
During his two-day visit, at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, PM Modi interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and witnessed cultural performances by artists in Kuwait City.
Among the highlights of his trip, PM Modi met 101-year-old former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Mangal Sain Handa. “This is an experience of a lifetime. PM Modi said he especially came here to meet him. We are grateful to Prime Minister Modi,” said Handa’s son, Dilip Handa.
Recalling PM Modi’s personal connection, Handa’s other son, Pradeep Handa, noted that the Prime Minister had sent a congratulatory letter on his father’s 100th birthday. “It is very exciting. I got a call from the Ambassador that PM Modi wanted to meet my father. On his 100th birthday, PM Modi sent a letter of congratulations as well,” he said.
The Indian diaspora in Kuwait expressed pride and excitement at PM Modi’s visit. “We are overwhelmed to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi here. He is a visionary leader,” said a community member.
Artists who performed during PM Modi’s arrival described it as a moment of great pride. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi saw our performance. It is a big achievement for us. On behalf of our entire team, we are thankful to Prime Minister Modi. He even asked us our names,” one of the artists said.
PM Modi also met with publisher Abdullateef Alnesef and translator Abdullah Baron, who collaborated to publish the Ramayana and Mahabharata in Arabic. “It is an honour for me. Mr. Modi is very happy with this. These books are very important. He signed both the books,” said Alnesef. Baron added, “It took two years to translate the Ramayana and Mahabharata into Arabic. From both the books, we got to understand Indian culture.”
As part of his itinerary, PM Modi will attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as a special guest of the Emir of Kuwait. He is also set to interact with the Indian diaspora at the ‘Hala Modi’ community event at the Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Sports Complex.
In his departure statement, PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the visit and looked forward to meetings with the Amir of Kuwait, the Crown Prince, and the country’s Prime Minister.