During his visit to Kuwait on December 23, 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a stirring address to the Indian diaspora, outlining his vision of India as a global growth engine poised to drive the future of the world’s economic development. Speaking at the "Hala Modi" event held at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex, he presented a comprehensive overview of India’s rapid strides in technology, infrastructure, and sustainability. The address not only marked a significant moment for India’s relationship with Kuwait but also underscored the Prime Minister’s broader vision for India's future on the global stage.

India’s Technological and Economic Growth

PM Modi emphasized India’s transformation into the fifth-largest economy in the world, reflecting the nation’s increasing influence in global trade and development. He shared that India is now recognized as a leader in fintech and boasts the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. This positions India as an attractive hub for innovation and a source of inspiration for nations looking to scale up their technological and economic capabilities.

A key highlight of his speech was the tremendous progress India has made in telecommunications. He mentioned that over the past decade, the country had laid enough optical fibre to cover a distance eight times the span between the Moon and Earth, underscoring India’s robust efforts to expand and modernize its digital infrastructure. These technological advancements have empowered India to cater to the demands of the modern digital economy, while also positioning the nation as a leading force in driving global growth.

Opportunities for Collaboration with Kuwait

India’s success in various sectors has created new opportunities for collaboration with global partners, and PM Modi invited Kuwait to explore these opportunities. He specifically mentioned sectors such as fintech, healthcare, smart cities, and green technology where India and Kuwait can work together for mutual benefit. India's rapidly expanding startup ecosystem and innovative solutions in sustainability offer considerable potential for collaboration, particularly in the areas of smart cities and green tech, both of which are essential for future economic and environmental resilience.

India’s growing expertise in sustainable development aligns with global priorities on green technology and climate action, offering Kuwait a chance to tap into India’s knowledge and innovation in this space. Additionally, the healthcare sector, which has gained prominence globally, can see significant benefits from cross-border collaboration between India and Kuwait, especially in light of India’s advancements in telemedicine, medical devices, and biotech.

The Role of the Indian Diaspora

The Prime Minister took the opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in strengthening the relationship between India and Kuwait. He expressed deep gratitude to the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for the invitation and for hosting this momentous event. PM Modi highlighted the vital role that the Indian community has played in bolstering both the economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation for the recognition that the Indian community in Kuwait has received from the Kuwaiti government and society. These contributions, particularly in the realms of skilled labor, business, and culture, have helped to strengthen India-Kuwait relations in ways that go beyond just economic exchanges. PM Modi invited the diaspora to actively participate in India's development journey and to contribute to the country’s progress as it moves toward becoming a fully developed nation.

Invitation to Participate in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025

PM Modi’s call to action extended to the upcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Divas scheduled for January 2025. He invited the diaspora to engage in this important event, which celebrates the role of Indians abroad in the country’s development. By participating, the Indian community can play a pivotal role in the strengthening of cultural ties between India and countries like Kuwait. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas serves as a platform to highlight the shared vision of a prosperous future, as well as to inspire further collaboration in areas such as innovation, entrepreneurship, and global development.

Strengthening India-Kuwait Relations

PM Modi's visit and speech underscore the deepening ties between India and Kuwait, which are built not only on strong economic foundations but also on shared values and goals. Both countries are committed to innovation, economic development, and sustainability. India’s role as a hub for skill development and a source of global talent presents unique opportunities for Kuwait to benefit from India’s growing capabilities, especially in areas like fintech and green technology.

In conclusion, PM Modi’s address in Kuwait set the tone for a promising future where India will play a central role in global development, with a particular emphasis on technological advancement, infrastructure growth, and international partnerships. By strengthening relationships with countries like Kuwait and leveraging its diverse and skilled diaspora, India is positioning itself as a dynamic and influential player in the evolving global economy.