PM Modi Bolsters Diplomatic Ties in New York Meetings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in crucial bilateral meetings with leaders from Kuwait, Nepal, Australia, Japan, and the U.S. during his visit to New York. The discussions focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic relations and enhancing collaborative efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Kuwait Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Al-Sabah, in New York on Sunday (local time). Prior to this, PM Modi also met with Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Nepal's PM Oli described the meeting as "very good" in a statement to ANI after his discussion with PM Modi. Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also engaged with Kuwait's Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya to discuss efforts to bolster India-Kuwait bilateral relations.

India and Kuwait share a historically rooted, friendly relationship that has stood the test of time. India was a key trading partner of Kuwait, and until 1961, the Indian Rupee was a legal tender in the Gulf nation. The fiscal year 2021-22 marked the 60th anniversary of India-Kuwait diplomatic relations.

Following Kuwait's independence from British Protectorate in 1961, India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties, initially represented by a Trade Commissioner. Official data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry indicates that Indian exports to Kuwait reached USD 2.10 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24.

PM Modi arrived in New York as part of his three-day visit to the United States. On Saturday, he participated in the Quad Summit and held bilateral meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The Quad group emphasizes peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

PM Modi and President Biden explored new pathways to deepen the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Modi also engaged with leading American business leaders, underscoring their pivotal role in the dynamic partnership between the world's largest and oldest democracies. PM Modi is set to address the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly in New York. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)