by Gasper Almeida, Kuwait
Kuwait, Jan 17: The recent visit of Indian Union Minister for Steel, Mines, Chemical and Fertiliser Ram Vilas Paswan has paved a way for a fresh impetus to the long existing relations between India and Kuwait which is now set to go on a higher level. The Minister had visited Kuwait on a private visit following an invitation from the Indian Citizens Committee.
“ I am happy to see the respect and love Indians enjoy in Kuwait but more important is the way influential Kuwaiti people remember their long association with India. I was told by ICC Chairman H S Vedi that Indian rupee used to be currency here till 1961”
What has impressed me most is the way the Kuwaiti brothers still remember the old days when they used to travel to India by dhow and how they enjoyed good relations at that time. “ Many of the people even said they were born in India as their father worked there”.
The Minister said that such deep love and affection that Kuwait had for India could be utilised for a larger interaction and engagement.
During his meeting with Petrochemical Industries Company chairperson Mrs. Mahamulla Husain, the Minister said that India was looking both for investment within the country and also enters into any joint venture alliance which could be beneficial for both the countries. “We have a huge demand for Fertiliser and Kuwait with its rich source in gas could play a big role”.
The Minister was accompanied by the ICC Chairman H S Vedi.
Mr Paswan and the accompanying delegation were taken on tour of the complex and he was deeply impressed with the modernization and technological up gradation at the plant. “I am sure there are various avenues where India and Kuwait could work together in petrochemical area” the minister told PIC Chairperson Mahamulla Husain
“We are setting up a huge Petrochemical Investment hub in India and Kuwait can play a vital role” he said
During his meeting with Mr. Ali Thunyan Al Ghanim, Chairman Kuwait Chamber of Commerce, the Minister said that ever since globalization and economic liberalisation in India, the areas of cooperation has increased manifold. “I assure support from the government whatever project you want to bring in India. Indian can also invest in Kuwait”. The chairman Mr. Al Ghanim suggested that India submitted few proposals for easy finalization of investment in India.
The Minister also met Kuwait Industries Union Chairman Mr Kharafi who also hosted a lunch in his honour.” I see the foundation of ties between India and Kuwait is not only old but very strong. And this could be explored for further expansion” Mr Paswan said in his brief welcome dress at the Lunch.
“India is not attracting international giants and this is the time we must come together” he said at the meeting.
Mr Kharafi remembered how Kuwaiti in olden days used to travel to India and many has long association afresh in their mind. “I agree we must look forward for further expansion of our ties”.
During his three day visit the minister attended a lunch hosted by Mughal Mahal at Hawally, which reflects the true Indian ambience, Mr. Paswan, Madam Paswan and the delegation took a tour at the imposing Kuwaiti towers as their guest of honour. Mr. Saad Al Saad chairman and Mr. Naser Marri of Al Noor Financial and Investment company and part owners of the Avenues were gracious enough to invite the minister, madam and the delegation for tour of Avenues and grand lunch hosted in their honour.