• By Nidhi Giri
  • Sun, 22 Dec 2024 08:16 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah during the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait on Saturday. Both the leaders watched the biennial football tournament. PM Modi was was the chief guest at the inauguration. The Prime Minister arrived in Kuwait on Saturday for a two-day visit, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. The visit aims to enhance ties between India and Kuwait, focusing on trade, energy, and cultural exchanges.

The Prime Minister took to X and shared a photo of him shaking hands with the gulf nation’s Emir and wrote a post in Arabic, which roughly translated to: “I was pleased to meet His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, during the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup."

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi attended the event as the ‘Guest of Honour’ of Kuwait’s Emir, which allowed for informal interactions with the country’s leadership.

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The Prime Minister also extended his best wishes to all the countries taking part in the football tournament, one of the region’s most prominent sporting events, featuring eight participating nations, including GCC countries, Iraq, and Yemen.

Kuwait was scheduled to play Oman in the opening game of the eight-team tournament.
Kuwait is hosting the biennial Arabian Gulf Cup with participation from eight countries, including GCC nations, Iraq, and Yemen.

The tournament is one of the most prominent sporting events in the region. Kuwait has won the tournament maximum times among the participating countries.

'Hala Modi' Event

Earlier, PM Modi addressed a large gathering of the Indian community at a special event ‘Hala Modi’ at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex in the city.

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The 'Hala Modi' event saw the Prime Minister emphasising the importance of their contribution to both Kuwait and India. With a palpable sense of excitement and warmth in the air, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and resilience shown by the Indian community in Kuwait.

Prime Minister Modi, addressing the 'Hala Modi' event in Kuwait, expressed his happiness at seeing the diverse Indian community, calling Kuwait a ‘mini-Hindustan’. He highlighted the respect the Kuwaiti government and residents have for Indians and emphasised his desire to celebrate their capabilities.

The Indian diaspora warmly welcomed PM Modi with a dance program and chants of 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' in his honour.

Prime Minister Modi's Historic Visit To Kuwait

Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed by Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister, and other key officials. The visit, at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, includes meetings with the Emir, Crown Prince, and Prime Minister of Kuwait to discuss strengthening bilateral ties.