As he embarked on a two-day visit to Kuwait, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India and the Gulf nation have shared interest in peace, security and stability in West Asia.
Modi’s visit to Kuwait, the first by an Indian prime minister in 43 years, comes two weeks after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and amid signs of a possible ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981.
In a departure statement, Modi said his talks with the 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.
The prime minister is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
“I am confident that this visit will further strengthen and reinforce the special ties and bonds of friendship between the people of India and Kuwait,” Modi said.