PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Kuwait Aims to Strengthen Relations

• PM Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Kuwait aims to strengthen ties in defence and trade.

• The visit will include talks with top Kuwaiti leadership, a visit to an Indian labour camp, and an address to the Indian community.

• The visit is the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years to the Gulf nation.

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced discussions on a bilateral investment treaty and a defence cooperation pact with Kuwait.

• Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs) in the MEA, stated that the visit will consolidate existing partnerships and unveil new avenues for future cooperation.

• The visit is expected to boost ties between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which India’s trade with GCC countries stood at $184.46 billion in 2022-23.

• India is also negotiating with the GCC for a free trade pact.