New Delhi: India and Kuwait elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership on Sunday, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in defence, and agreements in culture and sports. The announcement came amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day trip to Kuwait.
Modi held extensive discussions with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, focused on boosting ties in areas of information technology, pharmaceuticals, fintech, infrastructure and security.
“Excellent meeting with His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah. We discussed cooperation in key sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT, FinTech, Infrastructure and security,” Modi said in a post on X.
Excellent meeting with His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah.
We discussed cooperation in key sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT, FinTech, Infrastructure and security.
In line with the close ties between our nations, we have elevated our… pic.twitter.com/yjBXjZk7gd
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 22, 2024
This was the first trip to Kuwait by an Indian prime minister in 43 years. The last visit to the Gulf nation by an Indian prime minister was when Indira Gandhi visited in 1981.
Modi was also conferred the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Order by the Emir. In a post sharing the pictures of the same, he wrote, “I dedicate this honour to the people of India and to the strong friendship between India and Kuwait.”
Modi was also the guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the Gulf Cup. He also met Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah during the the trip.
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The defence pact focuses on key areas of cooperation including training, exchange of personnel and experts, joint exercises, cooperation in defence industry, supply of defence equipment, and collaboration in research and development, among others.
The cultural exchange programme (CEP) is aimed at facilitating greater cultural exchanges in art, music, dance, literature and theatre. It will focus on the preservation of cultural heritage, research and development and organise festivals.
In the field of sports, an executive programme has been agreed upon to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of sports between India and Kuwait and promote participation in programs and exchange expertise in sports medicine, sports management, sports media, sports science, among others.
Kuwait also joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) during this trip. The ISA is aimed at addressing common challenges to the scaling up of use of solar energy to help member countries develop low-carbon growth trajectories.
Earlier on Saturday, Modi addressed the Indian diaspora there at a community event. Indians are the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. Modi also visited an Indian labour camp there.
Kuwait is a major trading partner for India, with bilateral trade valued at USD 10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24. It is India’s sixth largest crude supplier, meeting 3 per cent of the country’s energy needs, and the fourth largest LPG supplier.