New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday left India for a visit to Kuwait where he is scheduled to meet the Indian diaspora.

This is the first visit to Kuwait by any Prime Minister in over four decades.

Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was the last Indian premier to visit Kuwait in 1981.

Modi is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait.

"I look forward to my meetings with His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Kuwait. It would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of our people and the region," said the Prime Minister in his departure statement.

"I eagerly look forward to meeting the Indian diaspora in Kuwait who have immensely contributed to strengthening of bonds of friendship between the two nations," he added.

Modi will participate in the inauguration ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup, a premier sporting event in the Gulf region.

"I look forward to being a part of this celebration of athletic excellence and regional unity," the PM said.