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The MEA listed four key outcomes of PM Modi’s visit to Kuwait. Both nations signed a milestone agreement in the field of defence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah during a meeting in Kuwait. (IMAGE: PTI)
A milestone MoU in the defence sector between India and Kuwait, Kuwait’s inclusion in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) along with exchange programmes in the fields of arts, culture and sports were the key outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait.
Both nations elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership after PM Modi held extensive talks with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah that focused on giving new momentum to the overall bilateral ties.
Had a very good meeting with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait. The discussions covered ways to deepen economic and cultural linkages between our nations. We are extremely optimistic about the India-Kuwait Strategic… pic.twitter.com/tKuZnmBmO1
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 22, 2024
The External Affairs Ministry in a press release said India and Kuwait signed a defence agreement that “will institutionalise bilateral cooperation in the area of defence”.
“Key areas of cooperation include 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 press release said.
It also announced that Kuwait is now a member of the ISA which “collectively covers the deployment of solar energy and addresses key common challenges to the scaling up of use of solar energy to help member countries develop low-carbon growth trajectories”.
In their meeting at the majestic Bayan Palace here, the two leaders especially deliberated on boosting cooperation in areas of information technology, pharmaceuticals, fintech, infrastructure and security.
Modi thanked the Emir for ensuring the well-being of over one million Indians in Kuwait while the Kuwaiti leader expressed appreciation for the contribution of the community in the development journey of the Gulf nation.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the talks between the prime minister and the Emir focused on exploring ways to take India-Kuwait ties to “new heights”.
In their discussions, Modi and the Kuwaiti Emir recalled the strong historical and friendly ties between the two countries and reaffirmed their full commitment to further expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation.
Modi extended a warm invitation to the Prime Minister of Kuwait to visit India and also invited the Kuwait Investment Authority to India to explore investment opportunities. As part of expanding trade and economic relations, food parks are being proposed to Kuwaiti investors.
The MEA said that the Prime Minister appreciated the new initiatives being undertaken by Kuwait to fulfil its ‘Vision 2035’ and congratulated the Emir for the successful holding of the summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) earlier this month.
The GCC is an influential grouping comprising the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. The total volume of India’s trade with GCC countries stood at USD 184.46 billion in the financial year 2022-23.
The nation on Sunday also conferred its highest honour – ‘The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer’ – on PM Modi for his role in strengthening the good relations between the two countries.
He received the honour from Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah at the Bayan Palace here.
“I am honoured to be conferred the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Order by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah. I dedicate this honour to the people of India and to the strong friendship between India and Kuwait,” Modi said in a post on X.
Modi reached Kuwait on Saturday for a two-day visit. His visit is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years.
He received a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour at the Bayan Palace.
The Gulf nation is among India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at USD 10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24.
Kuwait is India’s sixth largest crude supplier, meeting 3 per cent of the country’s energy needs.
Indian exports to Kuwait reached USD 2 billion for the first time, while investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceeded USD 10 billion.
The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981.
India is among the top trading partners of Kuwait. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait.
- Location :
Kuwait City, Kuwait
