At the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first official visit to Kuwait from December 21 to 22, 2024. The visit marked a significant step forward in India-Kuwait relations, resulting in agreements across a range of sectors.
Key Highlights
- Guest of Honour at the Arabian Gulf Cup:
Prime Minister Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait City as the Guest of Honour. - Ceremonial Welcome and Bilateral Discussions:
At Bayan Palace, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial reception and met with the Amir, His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. Discussions focused on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest. - Strategic Partnership Established:
Both sides agreed to elevate their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, aiming to deepen collaboration in key areas such as trade, investment, defence, energy, technology, culture, and people-to-people ties. - Major Agreements Signed:
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation.
- A Cultural Exchange Programme for 2025-2029.
- An Executive Programme for Sports Cooperation (2025-2028).
- Kuwait’s membership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
- Economic and Investment Initiatives:
Recognizing India’s rapid economic growth and Kuwait’s investment potential, the leaders discussed opportunities in technology, healthcare, tourism, logistics, and food security. Both sides committed to fast-tracking the ongoing negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty and enhancing trade links. - Energy Cooperation:
Both nations agreed to move beyond a buyer-seller relationship in energy to a comprehensive partnership, exploring opportunities in oil and gas, renewable energy, and India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve Programme. - Defence and Security Collaboration:
The MoU on Defence Cooperation paves the way for joint military exercises, training, and maritime safety initiatives. Both sides strongly condemned terrorism, calling for enhanced collaboration on counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and transnational crimes. - Health and Education Partnerships:
Emphasis was placed on cooperation in healthcare, including setting up pharmaceutical plants in Kuwait and facilitating mutual recognition of medical products. Educational collaboration will focus on institutional linkages, online learning, and technology sharing. - People-to-People Ties:
The leaders praised the contributions of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait and committed to enhancing manpower mobility and labour-related dialogue. - Cultural and Sports Exchange:
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to cultural and sports cooperation through the renewal of agreements. - Global Cooperation:
Discussions included UN reforms, GCC-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations, and increased coordination at multilateral fora.
A Strengthened Relationship
Prime Minister Modi’s visit reaffirms the longstanding friendship between India and Kuwait. Both nations look forward to expanding this renewed partnership to foster mutual growth and contribute to regional and global stability. PM Modi invited the Kuwaiti leadership to visit India, signaling continued momentum in bilateral ties.
