Ansari to visit Kuwait, first top-level visit in 28 yrs

India will seek enhanced investments from cash-rich Kuwait, especially in infrastructure sector, when Vice President M Hamid Ansari undertakes a visit there, the first trip by any top Indian leader to the gulf country in nearly three decades.

India will seek enhanced investments from cash-rich Kuwait, especially in infrastructure sector, when Vice President M Hamid Ansari undertakes a visit there from tomorrow, the first trip by any top Indian leader to the gulf country in nearly three decades.

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Issues related to energy security will be discussed by Ansari with the leadership of the hydrocarbon-rich country, which provides 12 per cent of India’s crude oil imports.

Maritime security for India’s strategic interests and terrorism would also be discussed during the three-day visit.

Ansari will meet Kuwaiti ruler Amir Shiekh Sabah, Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf besides holding talks with Kuwaiti Ministers of Defence, Foreign, Oil and Finance. Ansari will also interact with Kuwaiti industry leaders.

With India looking for foreign investments to the tune of USD 500 billion over the next few years, Ansari will discuss ways by which flow of funds from Kuwait can increase particularly in the times of global economic crisis which is affecting India too.

“Kuwait has got capital which can be invested,” said N Ravi, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, ahead of Ansari’s visit, adding that the possibility of Kuwaiti investment in India particularly in infrastructure sector will be discussed.

The two sides are also likely to sign two agreements on cooperation in the field of science and technology, and educational exchanges.