During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait in December 2024, India and Kuwait signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation. This agreement will allow for the exchange of defense personnel, joint military exercises, and the supply of military equipment, marking a significant step toward deeper collaboration in the defense sector.
Highest Honor for PM Modi
A key moment of the visit was when Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, awarded PM Modi the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Order, the highest honor given to foreign heads of state. PM Modi expressed his gratitude, dedicating the honor to the people of India and the strong friendship between India and Kuwait.
Elevating Bilateral Ties to a Strategic Partnership
In a major diplomatic move, PM Modi and Kuwaiti leaders elevated their partnership to the level of a “strategic partnership.” Discussions covered a wide range of sectors, including IT, pharmaceuticals, fintech, infrastructure, and security, further enhancing the depth of bilateral ties.
Agreements on Cultural and Sports Cooperation
In addition to the defense agreement, India and Kuwait signed pacts on cultural exchange and sports cooperation. These agreements aim to strengthen people-to-people ties and promote mutual growth in cultural and sports activities.
Historic Visit After Four Decades
PM Modi’s visit to Kuwait was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades. This historic visit was seen as a significant milestone in Indo-Kuwaiti relations, with discussions between PM Modi and the Kuwaiti leadership focusing on expanding collaboration across various sectors.
Engagement with the Indian Community
During his stay, PM Modi visited a labor camp where many Indian expatriates live, showcasing his commitment to the Indian community in Kuwait. He also met with translators of Indian classics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, further strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.
Warm Farewell Gesture
The visit concluded with a rare and heartfelt gesture from Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who personally came to the airport to see off PM Modi. This warm gesture symbolized the deep respect and goodwill between the two nations.
Kuwait as a Key Trading Partner
Kuwait remains a crucial economic partner for India, with bilateral trade reaching USD 10.47 billion in 2023-24. As India’s sixth-largest crude oil supplier, Kuwait plays a key role in meeting India’s energy needs. Both countries are expected to explore new opportunities in sectors such as defense, energy, and infrastructure.
