India-Kuwait diplomatic relationships emphasized by Ambassador Dr. Swaika in his Independence Day speech
On August 15, 2025, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait celebrated the 79th Independence Day with a grand ceremony attended by over 3,000 members of the Indian community. The event was a significant show of unity and cultural pride, marking the best India-Kuwait relations in contemporary times.
The ceremony began with Ambassador Dr. Adarsh Swaika paying floral tributes at the Shilaphalakam and the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The program included the hoisting of the Indian national flag and the singing of the national anthem.
In his address, Ambassador Swaika highlighted India's achievements over the past 78 years and emphasized the importance of working towards making India a developed nation by 2047. He conveyed messages from India's President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who celebrated recent successes and emphasized self-reliance.
Ambassador Swaika also outlined the success of 'Operation Sindoor', launched to eliminate the threat of cross-border terrorism, and emphasized the success of 'vocal for local' as a means to achieve a Self-reliant India. He attributed the success of the India-Kuwait relationship to the visit of Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi to Kuwait in December 2024.
Meanwhile, India-Kuwait relations have seen significant developments, marked by strengthening strategic partnerships and enhanced bilateral cooperation. The countries have upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership, enhancing cooperation in sectors like defense, pharmaceuticals, IT, and security. Bilateral trade between India and Kuwait is valued at around $10.4 billion for 2023-24, with India being one of Kuwait's top trade partners.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to expand cooperation in civil aviation, aiming for more direct flights and improved air traffic management. This agreement is seen as a milestone in bilateral aviation relations, enhancing connectivity and benefiting both business and personal travel.
India and Kuwait have established a Joint Ministerial Commission to boost trade and cooperation in defense and security. This commission is expected to give new direction to their bilateral ties.
Overall, India-Kuwait relations in 2025 are marked by significant strategic advancements, enhanced cooperation across various sectors, and a strong cultural bond through the Indian diaspora. Ambassador Swaika thanked community associations and members for strengthening bilateral relations at a people-to-people level. He reassured the Indian community that the Embassy remains a 'home away from home' for them.
As the Indian community celebrated their nation's independence, they were reminded of the continued support of the leadership of Kuwait for a strong India-Kuwait relationship. The ambassador urged the citizens to work towards the goal of a Developed country by 2047. The 79th Independence Day of India was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotism at the Embassy of India in Kuwait.
In Ambassador Swaika's address, he discussed general-news topics such as India's ambitions to become a developed nation by 2047, and emphasized the importance of self-reliance, a key politics concept. During the ceremony, he also addressed recent successes in India's operation against cross-border terrorism, 'Operation Sindoor', highlighting its relevance in maintaining strategic partnerships with nations like Kuwait.
