India (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who embarked on a historic two-day visit to Kuwait, was honored with a ceremonial welcome and the prestigious “Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer” by Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday, December 22. This marks a significant milestone in India-Kuwait relations. Upon his arrival on Saturday, Prime Minister Modi was received with warmth and high regard, starting with the ceremonial guard of honour at Bayan Palace. This gesture highlighted the close ties between the two nations. Modi’s visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, marks a deepening of the bilateral relationship. The last Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981.
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A historic honor for PM Modi
The most notable event of the visit was when Prime Minister Modi conferred with the highest national award of Kuwait “Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer” by the Amir of Kuwait. This top national honor was awarded for fostering strong friendships and goodwill between nations. Instituted in 1974, the award is a tribute to Mubarak Al Sabah, the ruler of Kuwait from 1896 to 1915, who played a pivotal role in securing the country’s autonomy and shaping its future. In a statement, Prime Minister Modi expressed his profound gratitude for receiving the prestigious award. This recognition also marks the 20th international honor bestowed upon him by a foreign nation. Past recipients of this distinguished award include figures like Bill Clinton, Prince Charles, and George Bush, signifying the close diplomatic ties between Kuwait and global leaders.
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Key bilateral discussions
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi held extensive talks with the Amir, Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, and his Kuwaiti counterpart. The leaders focused on elevating India-Kuwait relations to a strategic partnership, aiming to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, fintech, infrastructure, and security. Additionally, PM Modi emphasized the significance of the discussions, noting in a post on social media that the meeting was excellent and that both countries had elevated their relationship to a new strategic level.
Modi also expressed optimism about the future of bilateral ties, which continue to strengthen through shared goals and mutual cooperation. Furthermore, the bilateral dialogue also touched on global, regional, and multilateral issues of mutual concern, with a particular focus on fostering trade and investment. Modi conveyed his appreciation to the Amir for his support of the Indian community in Kuwait, acknowledging their significant contributions to Kuwaiti society.
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Kuwait – A major economic partner fo r India
Kuwait is an important economic partner for India, with bilateral trade valued at $10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24. It is also the sixth-largest supplier of crude oil to India, fulfilling approximately 3% of India’s energy needs. The recent surge in Indian exports to Kuwait, which reached a landmark $2 billion, reflects the growing economic collaboration between the two nations. Moreover, investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India have crossed $10 billion, further cementing the strong economic ties between the countries. Both leaders expressed the need to explore new avenues for strengthening economic collaboration, particularly in sectors like technology, infrastructure, and energy.
Strengthening India-Kuwait relations
India and Kuwait share a rich historical and cultural bond that dates back to pre-oil Kuwait, when maritime trade between the two regions formed the backbone of Kuwait’s economy. The Indian rupee remained in use in Kuwait until 1961, a testament to the longstanding and deep-rooted relationship between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi also highlighted India’s growing influence through its soft power, including its cultural exports such as cinema, cuisine, and tourism. He noted that India’s soft power has seen significant growth over the last decade, which has complemented its expanding global footprint.
This soft power, coupled with India’s vibrant diaspora in the Gulf region, serves as a cornerstone of India-Kuwait relations. Furthermore, the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, plays an essential role in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two nations. PM Modi’s recognition of the community’s contributions underscores their importance in the bilateral relationship, contributing to the social and economic fabric of Kuwaiti society.
Future prospects
As Prime Minister Modi concluded his visit, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to further enhancing its strategic ties with Kuwait. The two nations share a mutual vision for growth and prosperity, and PM Modi’s visit is expected to lay the foundation for increased collaboration across multiple sectors, from energy to technology, and beyond. Furthermore, the discussions between the two leaders are a testament to the strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between India and Kuwait, signaling a future of deepened partnerships in various domains. As both countries continue to build on their historic ties, the potential for increased trade, investment, and cultural exchange remains high, ensuring that the India-Kuwait relationship will flourish in the years to come.
