Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the India of the future would be the hub of global development and the growth engine of the world.
Speaking at the “Hala Modi” community event at Kuwait’s Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex, PM Modi highlighted India’s rapid advancements in technology, infrastructure, and sustainability.
“Today, India is the fifth-largest economy in the world. We lead in fintech and have the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. India is also the second-largest mobile manufacturing country in the world,” PM Modi said. He further remarked, “The India of the future will be the hub of the world’s development and its growth engine.”
He also emphasized that in the last decade, the length of optical fibre laid by India was eight times the distance between the Earth and the Moon.
PM Modi underscored the immense opportunities Indian startups offer for collaboration with nations like Kuwait, particularly in fintech, healthcare, smart cities, and green technology. He added that India has the potential to become the skill capital of the world, meeting the global demand for skilled professionals.
“Indian startups can create cutting-edge solutions tailored to Kuwait’s needs, from fintech to healthcare, smart cities to green technology. India’s skilled youth can bolster Kuwait’s future development. Today, India has the potential to become the world’s skill capital, capable of meeting global skill demands,” he said.
Reflecting on the strong ties between India and Kuwait, PM Modi acknowledged the significant role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening this relationship. He also expressed gratitude to the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for inviting him, marking the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in more than four decades.
“The India-Kuwait relationship has been profoundly enriched by the Indian community, which plays a pivotal role in fostering these ties,” PM Modi said.
He praised the hard work and achievements of the Indian diaspora, noting their contributions are highly regarded by the Kuwaiti government and society. He also highlighted the Indian government’s efforts to ensure the welfare of Indian workers abroad through initiatives like the E-Migrate portal.
“Whenever I speak with Kuwait’s leadership, they praise the contributions of Indians working here. Kuwaiti citizens also admire Indians for their hard work, honesty, and skills. India ranks first globally in remittances, thanks to the dedication of individuals like you. Furthermore, initiatives like E-Migrate connect foreign companies and registered agents, providing effective manpower solutions,” he stated.
Touching on the shared goals of India and Kuwait, the prime minister noted the alignment of their visions: Kuwait’s aim to become a dynamic economy and India’s focus on innovation and economic strengthening. He emphasised the potential for new partnerships in skill development and innovation.
“In the coming decades, we will be partners in prosperity. Our goals align. Kuwait is building a ‘New Kuwait,’ while Bharat is working towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Both nations’ focus on trade, innovation, and development supports each other,” he added.
PM Modi also invited the Indian diaspora to participate in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and the Maha Kumbh in India in January 2025, events designed to deepen engagement with the global Indian community.
“The journey toward a ‘Viksit Bharat’ cannot be achieved without the active participation of the Indian diaspora. I invite all of you to join us. From January 8 to 10, Bhubaneswar will host the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a special occasion where Indians worldwide will gather to celebrate,” he said.
Reflecting on cultural ties, PM Modi noted the legacy of late veteran actor Dilip Kumar, who inaugurated the first Indian restaurant in Kuwait, and mentioned his invitation as a guest of honour at the Arabian Gulf Cup opening ceremony.
PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years.
