Deep-rooted camaraderie and tactical alliance: A chronicle of Indo-Kuwait friendship and cooperation
Indian Prime Minister's Visit to Kuwait Strengthens Strategic Partnership
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kuwait in December 2024 marked a significant milestone in the relations between the two nations. It was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years and resulted in elevating India-Kuwait relations to a Strategic Partnership.
During the visit, Modi and Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation across key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, IT, FinTech, infrastructure, and security. The visit also highlighted the importance of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, with over 1 million Indians making up 21% of Kuwait’s population and 30% of its workforce.
Modi was honoured with Kuwait’s highest civilian award, the Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer, reflecting the enduring partnership between the two nations. He engaged with the Indian community in Kuwait, emphasizing their vital role in Kuwait’s development and aligning with his vision of a developed India by 2047.
The visit led to visible improvements in bilateral relations and was seen as a milestone by both countries, with subsequent official statements and events affirming that India-Kuwait ties are at one of their best phases in recent history.
During the visit, several memorandum of understandings (MoUs) were signed, including one on defense for joint training, technology exchange, and defense industry cooperation. The leaders of India and Kuwait also discussed cooperation in IT, pharmaceuticals, FinTech, cybersecurity, and infrastructure development.
Prime Minister Modi lauded Kuwait's Vision 2035 and extended an invitation to His Highness the Amir to visit India. He also held substantial talks with His Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait on further enhancing bilateral relations. The visit was at the invitation of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait.
The bilateral trade volume between India and Kuwait was $10.5 billion in FY 2023-24, with Indian exports to Kuwait exceeding $2 billion for the first time. The visit symbolized a major reset in India's alignment with the Gulf region and a strategic deepening of bilateral ties with Kuwait.
In his address to the Indian diaspora, Modi referred to them as a "mini Hindustan" and expressed gratitude for the support during emergencies like the Mangaf fire incident. The visit was a blend of diplomacy, cultural outreach, economic cooperation, and a strong message of solidarity with the million-strong Indian diaspora in Kuwait.
Sources: [1] India Today [2] The Hindu [3] Business Standard [4] The Times of India [5] Gulf News
The strategic partnership agreement signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kuwait in late 2024 expanded cooperation across sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT, FinTech, infrastructure, and security, as reported in general news and political updates covering India and Kuwait's relations. The visit, followed by the signing of various MoUs, including one on defense and talks on IT, cybersecurity, and infrastructure development, marked a significant boost to bilateral ties and was hailed as a milestone by both nations, making headlines in the realm of politics and general news.
