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Set your targets and pursue them with a tension free mind: PM Modi to students during Mann Ki Baat

Published By : Admin | February 28, 2016 | 11:40 IST
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Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand joins PM Modi during #MannKiBaat
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Give your exams with a peaceful mind: PM Modi to students during #MannKiBaat
Morari Bapu joins PM Modi during #MannKiBaat, extends good wishes to students
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Professor CNR Rao joins PM Modi during #MannKiBaat, urge students not to worry and do their best
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PM Modi congratulates all scientists on #NationalScienceDay, recalls Dr. CV Raman’s invaluable contributions
Give a missed call to 81908-81908 & listen to PM Modi’s #MannKiBaat in your regional language on the go!

Fellow citizens, Namaskar.

You might be listening to ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Radio but you would be occupied with the exams of your children which begins tomorrow. For class 10th   & 12th exams are starting from March 1. I too want to join this journey of yours. I am as much concerned about the exams of your children as you are. If we change our attitude towards exams, probably we will be relieved of anxiety.

In the last edition of  Mann Ki Baat, I had requested you to share your experiences and suggestions on Narendra Modi App. I am glad that thousands of people have shared their views with me. These include teachers, successful students, parents and social thinkers. Two things have touched me especially. First, all those who have written to me, have stuck to the subject. Second, thousands of people shared their views. It is a reflection of how important the issue is. We have restricted exams to school premises, students and parents. Large number of views shared on my App show that student related issues should be discussed continuously across the country.

In this edition of Mann ki Baat, I want to discuss something with students, parents and teachers. I will share whatever I have heard, read and have been told. I will also share my thoughts and I feel. that 25-30 minutes discussion will be very useful for the students appearing in the exams.

My dear student friends, before I say something why not open this edition of ‘Mann ki Baat’ with the   batting maestro, Sachin Tendulkar.  Let’s find out what made him successful. His experience will certainly help you. I want you to listen to the message sent by the pride of Indian youth and Bharat Ratna Shri Sachin Tendulkar:

“Namaskar, This is Sachin Tendulkar. I know exams are going to start in a few days, some of you may be tense. I have ä message for you. Your parents, teachers, family members and friends will expect many things from you. Everybody will ask about your preparations and expected marks. I just want to say you that you set targets for yourself and do not buckle under any pressure. Work hard and set a realistic and achievable target for yourself. When I used to play cricket there were innumerable expectations from me also. Over the past 24 years, many difficult moments came. Some nice moments were there as well. Public expectation was always there and it increased with passage of time. I found a way to deal with it. I decided to set my own targets and to achieve them. If I am setting my own targets and achieving them, then I am doing something good for the country. I always tried to achieve those targets. My focus was on the ball and targets were achieved automatically. Please keep your thoughts positive which will definitely yield positive results. Hence be positive and by God’s grace you can always expect best results. My best wishes for your exams. Write you exams in a tension free manner and come across with flying colours. Good luck.”

Friends, see what advice Sachin Tendulkar has for you. Never get bogged down under the pressure of expectations. You have to build your own future. Set targets for yourself with the free heart, free thinking and free capability. I am sure that Sachin’s advice will help you a lot. And it is true; why waste our time in competing with others? Why not compete with ourselves? Why not to try to break our own earlier records? You will see that nobody will be able to stop you from going forward. You will not expect any praise from anyone when you will break your own record. You will be satisfied internally.

Friends, do not consider exams as a number game. Life should be linked with great purposes. We should pursue our dreams and stay focused. Exams only tell us that whether we are treading on right path or not and with right pace or not. Therefore, if dreams are big, this exam will become enjoyable. Every exam is a step towards achieving that great purpose. Every success will become a key to achieve that great purpose. Therefore, do not limit yourself to what will happen in this year’s exam. Work with a much bigger purpose. Even if you fall short a little, you will not feel disappointed. You will get more courage to achieve that purpose.

People have shared their views on my App. One Mr. Shrey Gupta has emphasized that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Students should take care of their health also along with their studies. So that you can write exams in a good health. On this last day, I will not ask you to do exercise or run for 3 or 5 kilometers. But what is your routine, especially during exams, is important. During all 365 days, out routine should be according to our dreams and commitments. I agree with what Shri Prabhakar Reddy has said. He has suggested that students should sleep on time and should do revision after getting up early. Students should reach examination centre before time with admit card and other essential things. Shri Prabhakar Reddy has said this and I may not have said this.  Because I am little unconcerned regarding sleep. My friends also keep telling me that I sleep very less. I will try to do something about it. But I definitely agree with this. Stipulated time to sleep, sound sleep are equally important as your other day-to-day activities. And this is possible. I am fortunate that I sleep less but it is very sound. And it is enough too for me. But I will request you. Some people have a habit of talking on phone for long time before sleeping and those thoughts occupy their mind, so how will they sleep? When I ask you to sleep, I am not asking to sleep only for exams. To write well in exams, I am asking you to sleep tension-free. I am not asking to keep on sleeping. It shouldn’t happen that when you score less and your mother asks the reason, you tell that Modi Ji asked me to sleep and I slept. I hope you will not do that.

In life, discipline is a big reason behind strong foundation of successes. Discipline provides a strong foundation. Unorganized and undisciplined  people, who complete day’s work in evening, think that they have done the job but so much of energy is wasted and there is tension every moment. In our body also, even if one part is paining, the whole body does not feel comfortable. Not only that, our routine also gets disturbed. Any that is why; we should not consider any thing small. You should never compromise on your decisions. Decide and try to do it.

Friends, I have seen two types of students who appear in exams. One is who concentrates on his strengths and learning. Second types of students doubt their abilities and worry too much about their question paper. You would have seen these two types of people. Concern about the paper has a negative impact on results too. The one, who is confident about whatever he has learnt, is able to handle anything that comes up. Someone who can say this better than me is chess champion Shri Vishwanathan Anand. He will share his experiences and tell you how to check-mate in exams:

“Hello, this is Viswanathan Anand. First of all, let me start off by wishing you all the best for your exams. I will next talk a little bit about how I went to my exams and my experiences for that. I found that exams are very much like problems you face later in life. You need to be well rested, get a good night’s sleep, you need to be on a full stomach, you should definitely not be hungry and the most important thing is to stay calm. It is very very similar to a game of Chess. When you play, you don’t know, which pawn will appear, just like in a class you don’t know, which question will appear in an exam. So if you stay calm and you are well nourished and have slept well, then you will find that your brain recalls the right answer at the right moment. So stay calm. It is very important not to put too much pressure on yourself, don’t keep your expectations too high. Just see it as a challenge – do I remember what I was taught during the year, can I solve these problems. At the last minute, just go over the most important things and the things you feel, the topics you feel, you don’t remember very well. You may also recall some incidents with the teacher or the students; while you are writing an exam and this will help you recall a lot of subject matter. If you revise the questions you find difficult, you will find that they are fresh in your head and when you are writing the exam, you will be able to deal with them much better. So stay calm, get a good night’s sleep, don’t be over-confident but don’t be pessimistic either. I have always found that these exams go much better than you fear before. So stay confident and all the very best to you.”

Vishwanathan Anand has really said a very important thing and you would also have seen him playing international matches with good health. He plays with so much concentration and does not even move his eyes. We used to hear about Arjuna, how he used to concentrate on the bird’s eye. Similarly, Vishwanathan Anand’s eyes are fixed on target when he plays and that is expression of the inner peace. It is difficult to say whether we will get inner peace just by someone’s words. But we should strive for that, smilingly. Even during exams, if we smile and laugh, we will start experiencing the inner peace. You can’t have inner peace when you are not talking to friends, walking alone, trying to read so many books at the last moment. Laugh with your friends. Share jokes. You will feel peaceful environment automatically.

I want to share a small thing with you. Just imagine, you are standing at a pond and you are getting a nice view of the water but suddenly if someone throws a stone in it. Now, the nice view which you were getting will not be there anymore. If water is still, no matter how deep are the things they look clear. But if water is not still, then nothing is visible inside. There is a lot inside you, labour of the whole year. But if your mind is not at peace, then you can’t find that treasure. If you have a peaceful mind, then you will be able to use your treasure of knowledge and exam will become very easy.

I want to tell you something about myself. When I go to attend some lecture or in the government also, there are subjects I need to concentrate hard. When I try to understand by concentrating more, then I feel an inner pressure. Then I realize that I need to relax a bit. Then I developed a technique of deep breathing and take 3-5 deep breaths. It takes me around 30,40 or 50 seconds but then my mind becomes calm and ready to understand the matter. This is my experience and may work for you too.

Shri Rajat Aggarwl has written a good thing on my App. He said, we should relax with friends, family for at least half an hour every day. This is a very important thing said by Shri Rajat. Most of the times, when we come back from exam, we start calculating about right and wrong answers. And if parents are educated and more so, if teachers, then they ask the exact answers. They calculate whether you will score 40,80 or 90 marks. Your mind is still entangled in the exam that is already over. You also share with friends about the answers. We get entangled in that only. Friends, please do not do this. Once an exam is over, it’s over. Chat with your family on other subjects, remember old memories. Try to remember the scenes of a location you had visited with your parents. Spend half an hour on this. What Shri Rajat has said is absolutely correct.

Friends, what can I tell you about peace? Today, before you take your exams, one such person has sent you his message, who himself is a teacher. He teaches us the values of life. By interpreting Ram Charit Manas in present context, he teaches us values. He is revered Morari Bapu, He has given some important tips for you. He is a teacher and thinker also therefore his words have combination of both:

 “I am Morari Bapu speaking. My advice to all the students is that at the time of examination you unburden your mind and with a clear, calm and concentrated mind take the exam. And then accept whatever situation comes. My view is that by accepting the situation as it is, we can be more happy and peaceful. Take the exam with a light and calm mind, you will get sure success, you will not feel guilty if you fail and not feel arrogant if you succeed. I end with a couplet ‘It is not necessary everybody get success in this world, learn to live with failures’. I thank our honorable Prime Minister’s programme Mann ki Baat.   I wish all the best.”

I am grateful to revered Morari Bapu for his inspiring message. Friends, I want to talk about one issue. In their responses, people have invariably mentioned about Yoga.  It is a matter of satisfaction for me that when I meet people from different countries, a mention of Yoga always comes, may be briefly. I feel proud that there is so much curiosity about Yoga. How many people on my mobile app, Shri Atanu Mandal, Sri Kunal Gupta, Shri Shashank Kumar, Shri K G Anand, Shri Abhijeet Kulkarni, innumerable such people have referred to Yoga and Meditation. I do not say that you start practicing Yoga from tomorrow that will be injustice with you, however those who practice it should not stop it, just because of exams. However, it is true that be it student life or latter part of life, Yoga is an important key for the development of conscience. And it is a key which is most accessible and simple. You should definitely think about it. If you search around you and find a Yoga teacher, they can definitely suggest you few things which you can practice in few minutes and will benefit during exams. See if you can. I have great faith in it.

My young friends, you are in a great hurry to enter the examination hall. You want to take your seat quickly. Why do you do this in a hurry? Why should not you manage your time in such a manner that if you are stuck in traffic, still you reach in time for exam. Otherwise, the hurry adds to the tension. You should read the instructions for the question paper very carefully. Sometimes we think it is a waste of time, but it is not the case.  Let it take 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, but read the instructions very carefully. You will clearly know what is to be done and it will ensure that you do everything properly and you will not have to regret later. I have observed that sometimes one comes to know only during exam that there is a new pattern, but if you read instructions carefully, you will be able to cope with it. So please read the instructions very carefully.

Mr. Yash Nagar has written on my app that when he saw the paper for the first time, it appeared very difficult. However in the second look, it appeared easy to him. Questions were the same which he knew, only they were asked differently. It is very essential to understand the question. Sometime when we do not understand the question properly, they appear difficult to us. I emphasize this view of Yash Nagar. Read the question several times and try to match your knowledge with them.You will see that the question will appear easy even before you attempt it.

It is a matter of great happiness to me today that Bharat Ratna and renowned scientist Professor CNR Rao has stressed upon patience. He has given a brief yet very effective message, to all the students. Let us listen to the message of Sri Rao:

“This is C.N.R. Rao from Bangalore. I fully realize that the examinations cause anxiety. That too competitive examination. Do not worry, do your best. That’s what I tell all my young friends. At the same time remember, that there are many opportunities in this country. Decide what you want to do in life and don’t give it up. You will succeed. Do not forget that you are a child of the universe. You have a right to be here like the trees and the mountains. All you need is doggedness, dedication and tenacity. With these qualities you will succeed in all examinations and all other endeavors. I wish you luck in everything you want to do. God Bless.”

See how amazing is the way of expression of a scientist? For which I take half an hour, he took only 3 minutes to communicate. This is the strength of science and a scientific mind.  I am very much thankful to Mr. Rao for inspiring the children of the country. What he has highlighted are the qualities of dedication, determination, diligence. Remain steadfast friends, if you do not give up, fear will run away. For achieving good things, a bright future awaits you.

In my App, Ruchika Dabas has sent a message, sharing her exam experience. She said that in her family, there is a conscious effort to create a positive environment during examinations. Similar efforts were made in her neighboring families too.  And this was emphasized by Mr. Sachin Tendulkar also that Positive approach, positive frame of mind gives rise to positive energy.

Sometimes many things happen, which inspire us. And please don’t think that they help only students. In every phase of life, good examples, given us strength, inspiration and show us the way out of troubles. We all have read about Thomas Alva Edison, the inventor of electric bulb. Have you ever thought how many years he devoted to achieve this feat? How many times he faced failures, how much time was wasted, how much money was spent how much frustration he must have felt, due to repeated failures? But today, the electric bulb is illuminating our lives. That is why it is said that seeds of success are inherent within failures.

Who doesn’t know Srinivas Ramanujam? One of the greatest mathematical minds of the modern world. You must be knowing that he did not have any formal training in mathematics. Still, he made great contribution towards fields of mathematical analogies and number theory. His was a life filled with pain and sorrow; still he made a great contribution to the world.

JK Rowling is a brilliant example of the fact that anybody can achieve success anytime. Harry Potter series is now popular all over the world but it was not the case in the beginning. Imagine, how many difficulties she had to face, how many failures? Rowling herself has said that it the times of crisis she used to focus her entire energy on the job which was most meaningful for her.

Nowadays, exams are not merely for the students, but they are a test of family, teachers and schools as well. However, without the support system of parents and teachers, it is difficult for a student to cope up alone. If students, parents, teachers and even seniors work as a team and proceed in a planned manner, examinations become easier.

Mr. Keshav Vaishnav has written on my App, he has complained that parents must never pressurize their children for more marks. They should merely encourage them to prepare and should be concerned about keeping them relaxed.

Vijay Jindal writes that our own expectations must never be imposed on children. Children must be encouraged as much as possible and they must be helped to maintain their confidence.  Please do not pressurize children. Do not stop him talking to his friends; create a lighter, positive environment. You will see your children grow in confidence. This confidence will be visible to you as well.

Friends, I want to tell it to our young friends. Our lives have significantly changed from the previous generations. We are witnessing every moment, a new innovation, new technology and a new face of science. The best part is we are not merely dazzled by all this; rather we want to move ahead in tandem with the pace of science.

I am highlighting these point because it is the National Science Day today. Every year we celebrate it as the national festival of science. On February 28, 1928, Sir CV Raman has announced his famous discovery, The Raman Effect for which he won the Nobel Prize. Therefore, the country celebrates February 28 as National Science Day. Curiosity is the mother of Science. Every mind should have scientific temper and the quest for science. Each generation will have to emphasize on the innovation. And innovation is not possible without science and technology. On National Science Day, let us resolve to make science and technology as an essential part of our lives. This year, the theme on the National Science Day is “Make in India, Science and Technology Driven Innovations”. I bow to  Sir CV Raman and appeal to all of you to inculcate scientific temper.

Friends, sometimes success comes very late and when the person is successful, his views about the world also changes. You may have been busy preparing for exams and some news events might not have registered in your minds. Still I want to repeat a story which you must have heard recently, that a great discovery has been made in the life of science. Scientists of the world worked relentlessly, several generations of them contributed including our own scientists who discovered the Gravitational Waves. It is a very far reaching achievement in the field of science. The discovery not only proves the theory of Albert Einstein, but also is quantum jump for physics. This is indeed a great achievement for the entire mankind and also a matter of great pride for us since many Indians were involved in this discovery. I want to extend my heartiest congratulations to all these scientist. In future too our scientists will work towards consolidating such gains and in all other international scientific endeavors. We have recently taken an important decision to set up Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) in India. There are only two such laboratories in the world and India will be the third country. The process will gather momentum with the involvement of India. Despite its meager resources, India will definitely be an active partner in the endeavor of great importance for the mankind. I once again congratulate all the scientists.

Fellow citizens, I want you to note down a number. From tomorrow, if you give a missed call to this number, you can listen to my “Mann Ki Baat”, in your regional language. The number is 8190881908. I repeat 8190881908.

Friends, your exams are going to start; I too have to appear in examination tomorrow before 125 crore countrymen. Don’t you remember! Tomorrow is 29th February, Budget Day. Still, you must have noticed by my voice, how calm and confident I am. Let my exam get over tomorrow and yours begin day after. Wish me the success and let all of us come out with flying colors so that our country succeeds. Friends my best wishes to all of you.  Move ahead without the tension of failure or success. Do not give up. Thank you.

 

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Joint Statement: Official visit of Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India to Kuwait (December 21-22, 2024)
December 22, 2024

At the invitation of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Kuwait on 21-22 December 2024. This was his first visit to Kuwait. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait on 21 December 2024 as the ‘Guest of Honour’ of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Bayan Palace on 22 December 2024 and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed his deep appreciation to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for conferring on him the highest award of the State of Kuwait ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’. The leaders exchanged views on bilateral, global, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

Given the traditional, close and friendly bilateral relations and desire to deepen cooperation in all fields, the two leaders agreed to elevate the relations between India and Kuwait to a ‘Strategic Partnership’. The leaders stressed that it is in line with the common interests of the two countries and for the mutual benefit of the two peoples. Establishment of a strategic partnership between both countries will further broad-base and deepen our long-standing historical ties.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait. In light of the newly established strategic partnership, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations through comprehensive and structured cooperation in key areas, including political, trade, investment, defence, security, energy, culture, education, technology and people-to-people ties.

The two sides recalled the centuries-old historical ties rooted in shared history and cultural affinities. They noted with satisfaction the regular interactions at various levels which have helped in generating and sustaining the momentum in the multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized on sustaining the recent momentum in high-level exchanges through regular bilateral exchanges at Ministerial and senior-official levels.

The two sides welcomed the recent establishment of a Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC) between India and Kuwait. The JCC will be an institutional mechanism to review and monitor the entire spectrum of the bilateral relations between the two countries and will be headed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. To further expand our bilateral cooperation across various fields, new Joint Working Groups (JWGs) have been set up in areas of trade, investments, education and skill development, science and technology, security and counter-terrorism, agriculture, and culture, in addition to the existing JWGs on Health, Manpower and Hydrocarbons. Both sides emphasized on convening the meetings of the JCC and the JWGs under it at an early date.

Both sides noted that trade has been an enduring link between the two countries and emphasized on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. They also emphasized on the need for promoting exchange of business delegations and strengthening institutional linkages.

Recognizing that the Indian economy is one of the fastest growing emerging major economies and acknowledging Kuwait’s significant investment capacity, both sides discussed various avenues for investments in India. The Kuwaiti side welcomed steps taken by India in making a conducive environment for foreign direct investments and foreign institutional investments, and expressed interest to explore investment opportunities in different sectors, including technology, tourism, healthcare, food-security, logistics and others. They recognized the need for closer and greater engagement between investment authorities in Kuwait with Indian institutions, companies and funds. They encouraged companies of both countries to invest and participate in infrastructure projects. They also directed the concerned authorities of both countries to fast-track and complete the ongoing negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Both sides discussed ways to enhance their bilateral partnership in the energy sector. While expressing satisfaction at the bilateral energy trade, they agreed that potential exists to further enhance it. They discussed avenues to transform the cooperation from a buyer-seller relationship to a comprehensive partnership with greater collaboration in upstream and downstream sectors. Both sides expressed keenness to support companies of the two countries to increase cooperation in the fields of exploration and production of oil and gas, refining, engineering services, petrochemical industries, new and renewable energy. Both sides also agreed to discuss participation by Kuwait in India's Strategic Petroleum Reserve Programme.

Both sides agreed that defence is an important component of the strategic partnership between India and Kuwait. The two sides welcomed the signing of the MoU in the field of Defence that will provide the required framework to further strengthen bilateral defence ties, including through joint military exercises, training of defence personnel, coastal defence, maritime safety, joint development and production of defence equipment.

The two sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, and dismantling of terror infrastructure. Expressing appreciation of their ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of security, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes. The two sides discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. The Indian side praised the results of the fourth high-level conference on "Enhancing International Cooperation in Combating Terrorism and Building Resilient Mechanisms for Border Security - The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process," which was hosted by the State of Kuwait on November 4-5, 2024.

Both sides acknowledged health cooperation as one of the important pillars of bilateral ties and expressed their commitment to further strengthen collaboration in this important sector. Both sides appreciated the bilateral cooperation during the COVID- 19 pandemic. They discussed the possibility of setting up of Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Kuwait. They also expressed their intent to strengthen cooperation in the field of medical products regulation in the ongoing discussions on an MoU between the drug regulatory authorities.

The two sides expressed interest in pursuing deeper collaboration in the area of technology including emerging technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. They discussed avenues to explore B2B cooperation, furthering e-Governance, and sharing best practices for facilitating industries/companies of both countries in the policies and regulation in the electronics and IT sector.

The Kuwaiti side also expressed interest in cooperation with India to ensure its food-security. Both sides discussed various avenues for collaboration including investments by Kuwaiti companies in food parks in India.

The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s decision to become a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a significant step towards collaboration in developing and deploying low-carbon growth trajectories and fostering sustainable energy solutions. Both sides agreed to work closely towards increasing the deployment of solar energy across the globe within ISA.

Both sides noted the recent meetings between the civil aviation authorities of both countries. The two sides discussed the increase of bilateral flight seat capacities and associated issues. They agreed to continue discussions in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution at an early date.

Appreciating the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for 2025-2029, which will facilitate greater cultural exchanges in arts, music, and literature festivals, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment on further enhancing people to people contacts and strengthening the cultural cooperation.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Executive Program on Cooperation in the Field of Sports for 2025-2028. which will strengthen cooperation in the area of sports including mutual exchange and visits of sportsmen, organising workshops, seminars and conferences, exchange of sports publications between both nations.

Both sides highlighted that education is an important area of cooperation including strengthening institutional linkages and exchanges between higher educational institutions of both countries. Both sides also expressed interest in collaborating on Educational Technology, exploring opportunities for online learning platforms and digital libraries to modernize educational infrastructure.

As part of the activities under the MoU between Sheikh Saud Al Nasser Al Sabah Kuwaiti Diplomatic Institute and the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), both sides welcomed the proposal to organize the Special Course for diplomats and Officers from Kuwait at SSIFS in New Delhi.

Both sides acknowledged that centuries old people-to-people ties represent a fundamental pillar of the historic India-Kuwait relationship. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed deep appreciation for the role and contribution made by the Indian community in Kuwait for the progress and development of their host country, noting that Indian citizens in Kuwait are highly respected for their peaceful and hard-working nature. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conveyed his appreciation to the leadership of Kuwait for ensuring the welfare and well-being of this large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait.

The two sides stressed upon the depth and importance of long standing and historical cooperation in the field of manpower mobility and human resources. Both sides agreed to hold regular meetings of Consular Dialogue as well as Labour and Manpower Dialogue to address issues related to expatriates, labour mobility and matters of mutual interest.

The two sides appreciated the excellent coordination between both sides in the UN and other multilateral fora. The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s entry as ‘dialogue partner’ in SCO during India’s Presidency of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2023. The Indian side also appreciated Kuwait’s active role in the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). The Kuwaiti side highlighted the importance of making the necessary efforts to explore the possibility of transforming the ACD into a regional organisation.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated His Highness the Amir on Kuwait’s assumption of the Presidency of GCC this year and expressed confidence that the growing India-GCC cooperation will be further strengthened under his visionary leadership. Both sides welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in Riyadh on 9 September 2024. The Kuwaiti side as the current Chair of GCC assured full support for deepening of the India-GCC cooperation under the recently adopted Joint Action Plan in areas including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, culture, amongst others. Both sides also stressed the importance of early conclusion of the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

In the context of the UN reforms, both leaders emphasized the importance of an effective multilateral system, centered on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for the UN reforms, including of the Security Council through expansion in both categories of membership, to make it more representative, credible and effective.

The following documents were signed/exchanged during the visit, which will further deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship as well as open avenues for newer areas of cooperation:● MoU between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Defence.

● Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Kuwait for the years 2025-2029.

● Executive Programme between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Sports for 2025-2028 between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and Public Authority for Youth and Sports, Government of the State of Kuwait.

● Kuwait’s membership of International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi thanked His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. The visit reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Kuwait. The leaders expressed optimism that this renewed partnership would continue to grow, benefiting the people of both countries and contributing to regional and global stability. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also invited His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait to visit India.