Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Abdullah Al Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al Nesef in Kuwait. Abdulla Al Baroun had translated both Ramayana and Mahabharata in Arabic and Abdul Lateef Al Nesef published them.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (December 21, 2024) arrived in Kuwait in the Gulf nation on a two-day visit where he will hold talks with Kuwaiti leadership and also meet the Indian diaspora.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Abdullah Al Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al Nesef in Kuwait.
Abdulla Al Baroun has translated both Ramayana and Mahabharata in Arabic.
Abdul Lateef Al Nesef has published the Arabic versions of Ramayan And Mahabharat.
Mr. Modi had also spoken about these efforts in Mann Ki Baat.
Also read: Comment |A chance to strike gold during the Kuwait visit
PM Modi is visiting Kuwait the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His visit to Kuwait will be the first of any Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years.
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.
During the visit, PM Modi will hold discussions with the leadership of Kuwait and also interact with the Indian community.
In his departure statement, he 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.
PM Modi said he was looking forward to his meetings with the Emir, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Kuwait.
He will also attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup here in Kuwait.
The last Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981.
India is among the top trading partners of Kuwait. He would also meet the vibrant Indian diaspora here. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait.
Indians constitute 21% (1 million) of the total population of Kuwait and 30% of its work-force (approx 9 lakhs). Indian workers top the Private Sector as well as domestic sector (DSW) work force list, according to Indian Embassy in Kuwait.
Kuwait is among India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at $10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24.
Kuwait is India’s sixth largest crude supplier, meeting 3% of the country’s energy needs.
Indian exports to Kuwait reached $2 billion for the first time, while investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceed $10 billion.
India and Kuwait have enjoyed traditionally friendly relations, with links dating back to pre-oil Kuwait when maritime trade with India was the backbone of its economy.
(With inputs from PTI)
Published – December 21, 2024 10:30 am IST