Kuwait echoes with Hala Modi: India will become the world's development engine, invitation to NRIs for Mahakumbh

Kuwait : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the Indian expatriate community during the 'Hala Modi' program organized at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex in Kuwait, said that the future India will be the center of global development and will also be the growth engine of the world. PM Modi highlighted India's rapid transformation in various sectors including technology, infrastructure and sustainability.

PM Modi said, “Today, India is the fifth largest economy in the world. We lead the world in fintech and have the third largest startup ecosystem globally. India is also the second largest mobile manufacturing country in the world.”

He said, “India of the future will be the center of development of the world. This will be the growth engine of the world.”

Light on India's startups

He further said that in the last decade, the length of optical fiber laid by India was eight times the distance between the Moon and the Earth. Prime Minister Modi also highlighted India's startups, which can provide immense opportunities for collaboration with countries like Kuwait, especially in areas like fintech, healthcare, smart cities and green technology.
He also mentioned India's potential to become the skill capital of the world and said that the country is also prepared to meet the global skill demand.

India has the potential to become the skill capital of the world today

“Indian startups can create cutting-edge solutions for every need of Kuwait, from fintech to healthcare, smart cities to green technology. India's skilled youth can also give new strength to Kuwait's future journey. India today has the potential to become the skill capital of the world. Therefore, India has the potential to meet the skill demand of the world.”

Reflecting on the strong ties between India and Kuwait, PM Modi acknowledged the important role played by the Indian diaspora in strengthening ties between the two countries. He also expressed his gratitude to Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for inviting him after 43 years, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in more than four decades.

“India-Kuwait relations have been deeply enriched by the Indian community, which plays an important role in promoting relations between the two countries.”

Modi also praised the hard work and achievements of the Indian community, saying their contributions have been widely recognized by both the Kuwaiti government and society. He also highlighted the commitment of the Government of India to ensure the welfare of Indian workers abroad, citing technology-driven initiatives such as the e-Migrate portal.

India ranks first in the world in terms of remittances

Prime Minister Modi said, “Whenever I talk to the leadership of Kuwait, they praise the contribution of Indians working here. Kuwaiti citizens also have deep admiration for Indians because of their hard work, honesty and skills. Today, India ranks first in the world in terms of remittances. The credit for this success can be given to dedicated individuals like you. Moreover, our fellow countrymen value and respect your contribution.”

He said, “Agreements are being made with various countries to ensure the welfare of Indians working abroad. You must have heard about e-migrate. “This platform brings together foreign companies and registered agents, providing effective manpower solutions.”

On the shared goals of India and Kuwait, the Prime Minister talked about the alignment of their vision and said that India is focused on innovation and Kuwait is striving to become a dynamic economy. He also talked about the ongoing efforts to strengthen India's economy and stressed the possibility of new partnerships with Kuwait in the areas of skill development and innovation.

India will be a developed nation by 2047

“In the coming decades, we will share in our prosperity. Our goals are no different! The people of Kuwait are creating a new Kuwait. The people of India are working to make India a developed nation by 2047. Through trade and innovation, Kuwait seeks to become a dynamic economy. India is focusing on innovation and strengthening its economy. “Both goals support each other.”

invited for Mahakumbh

PM Modi invited the Indian diaspora to participate in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and Mahakumbh in India in January 2025, aiming to further connect with the global Indian community.

Invited to join the spirit of developed India

“A developed India, or the journey to a developed India, cannot be complete without the active participation of the Indian diaspora. Therefore, I invite you all to join the spirit of a developed India! In January 2025, we will celebrate a month full of national festivals. From January 8 to 10, Bhubaneswar will host Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, where people from all over the world will come to India to celebrate the occasion.”

Mention of actor Dilip Kumar

Prime Minister Modi also talked about the enduring cultural ties between India and Kuwait. He said that late veteran actor Dilip Kumar had inaugurated the first Indian restaurant in Kuwait and now he has been invited as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup.

Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day visit to the Gulf country of Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years. Upon Prime Minister Modi's arrival, he was welcomed by Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense and Interior Sheikh Fahad Youssef Saud Al-Sabah, the country's Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and many other dignitaries.

It is noteworthy that before the address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the community program 'Hala Modi' at Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex, Indian expatriates in Kuwait showed a wave of enthusiasm and excitement.

(with agency input)