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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent two-day visit to Kuwait marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades, was characterized by a warm reception and high-level discussions focused on enhancing cooperation across various sectors. The most striking aspect of the visit, however, was the unprecedented gesture by the Kuwaiti Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who personally escorted PM Modi to the airport upon his departure. This act of personal diplomacy underscored the deep respect and friendship between the two leaders and countries, setting a tone of warmth and mutual regard that permeated the entire visit. The Kuwaiti government's decision to bestow upon PM Modi the 'Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer,' their highest distinction, further solidified this sentiment of appreciation for his efforts in strengthening the bilateral relationship.
The visit yielded substantial outcomes in terms of enhanced cooperation across several key sectors. Discussions between PM Modi and the Kuwaiti leadership, including Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, focused on strengthening collaboration in areas such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, fintech, infrastructure development, and security. The elevation of the India-Kuwait partnership to a strategic level signifies a commitment to deepening collaboration beyond traditional economic ties, encompassing broader aspects of national security and strategic interests. This strategic partnership aims to foster closer alignment on regional and global issues, potentially leading to joint initiatives in areas such as counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and regional stability. The commitment to strengthening security cooperation also suggests potential collaborations in defense and intelligence sharing, enhancing mutual security capabilities.
The economic dimensions of the visit were equally impressive. Bilateral trade between India and Kuwait reached a significant milestone of USD 10.47 billion in 2023-24, reflecting a substantial increase in the volume of goods and services exchanged between the two countries. This growth is partly driven by Kuwait's role as India's sixth-largest crude oil supplier, fulfilling 3% of India's energy needs. The fact that Indian exports to Kuwait exceeded USD 2 billion for the first time highlights the diversification of trade flows and the growing demand for Indian goods and services in the Kuwaiti market. Furthermore, the substantial investments made by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India, exceeding USD 10 billion, underscore the confidence of Kuwaiti investors in the Indian economy and its growth potential. These economic ties create a solid foundation for sustained bilateral cooperation, fostering mutual economic prosperity and stability.
Beyond the high-level political and economic discussions, PM Modi's visit also included engagement with the large Indian diaspora in Kuwait. With over one million Indians residing in Kuwait, constituting the largest expatriate population, his visit to a labor camp demonstrated a commitment to addressing the concerns and welfare of the Indian community. This engagement highlights the importance of the Indian diaspora as a bridge between the two nations, contributing to cultural exchange and strengthening people-to-people ties. The success of the visit can be attributed to the carefully planned agenda and the proactive approach taken by both sides to foster a strong and mutually beneficial partnership. The outcome of this visit has set the stage for an enhanced and enduring relationship between India and Kuwait, promising greater cooperation and progress in the years to come. The warm hospitality shown by the Kuwaiti leadership and the substantive achievements of the visit solidify the foundations of this increasingly strategic partnership.
Source: In special gesture, Kuwait’s PM personally sees off PM Modi at airport as he leaves for India