In a significant diplomatic stride, India and Kuwait have elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, marking a new era of enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors including defence, solar energy, health, education, technology, and investments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day state visit to Kuwait, engaged in high-level discussions with Emir Sheikh Ahmad Al-Sabah, solidifying plans to bolster their alliance. The leaders outlined a comprehensive roadmap aimed at strengthening collaboration in trade, energy, security, culture, and people-to-people connections.
A pivotal moment of the visit was the conferral of Kuwait’s highest honor, the ‘Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’, upon Prime Minister Modi by Sheikh Meshal Al-Sabah. Established in 1974, this prestigious award has been previously bestowed upon global leaders such as King Charles III of Britain and former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush. Modi dedicated the honor to the enduring friendship between India and Kuwait, the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, and the nation’s 1.4 billion-strong populace.
The strategic partnership was further cemented with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence, which institutionalizes cooperation in areas such as training, joint military exercises, defence industry collaboration, equipment supply, and research and development. Additionally, Kuwait has joined the India-backed International Solar Alliance, signaling a mutual commitment to expanding bilateral energy trade and transitioning from a traditional buyer-seller dynamic to a more integrated and comprehensive partnership. India is also keen on involving Kuwait in its strategic petroleum reserve program, aiming to enhance energy security.
Trade between the two nations has reached new heights, with bilateral commerce totaling $10.47 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24. Kuwait stands as India’s sixth-largest crude oil supplier, fulfilling 3% of the country’s energy requirements. Indian exports to Kuwait have surged to $2 billion for the first time, while investments from the Kuwait Investment Authority in India have surpassed $10 billion. Both countries are actively working to finalize the Bilateral Investment Treaty, with authorities tasked to expedite ongoing negotiations.
Emphasizing the depth of their economic ties, Prime Minister Modi welcomed a delegation from the Kuwaiti Investment Authority to explore new opportunities in sectors such as energy, defence, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and food parks. The joint statement highlighted the enduring trade links and the potential for further diversification and growth.
Both leaders unanimously condemned terrorism in all its forms, advocating for the disruption of terror financing networks, elimination of safe havens, and dismantling of terror infrastructures. The discussions also delved into collaborative efforts in technology, including emerging fields like semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also met with Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, reaffirming their commitment to deepening ties. Modi expressed gratitude to the Emir for safeguarding the interests of the over one million Indians residing in Kuwait, underscoring the strong human connections underpinning the strategic partnership.
Reflecting on the visit, Modi shared on social media platform X, “We are extremely optimistic about the India-Kuwait strategic partnership scaling new heights of success in the times to come.”
As the strategic partnership takes shape, both nations look forward to a future marked by robust collaboration, mutual growth, and strengthened historical bonds, setting a precedent for regional stability and economic prosperity.
