Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is all set to land in Kuwait for his official visit. PM Modi will be in this small Shaikhdom on 21-22 December 2024, at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. This will be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, during the visit, the Prime Minister will hold discussions with the leadership of Kuwait. Prime Minister will also interact with the Indian community in Kuwait.
India and Kuwait share traditionally close and friendly relations, which are rooted in history and have been underpinned by economic and strong people-to-people linkages. India is among Kuwait’s top trading partners. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait.
The visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen the multifaceted ties between India and Kuwait further.
What are the Schedule and Issues on the Table?
PM Modi will be greeted with a ceremonial guard of honour at the Emir’s official palace, the Bayan Palace. He will next meet separately with the Emir of Kuwait and the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, followed by delegation-level talks with the Kuwaiti Prime Minister. These discussions will cover a wide range of topics, including political relations, trade, investment, energy, cultural exchanges, and interpersonal links. The Crown Prince will also hold a banquet to celebrate the Indian Prime Minister.
The visit is viewed as an opportunity to take the India-Kuwait relationship to new heights, exploring new channels of cooperation while strengthening current relationships. It is also expected to boost India’s relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), of which Kuwait is a key member and the head of GCC for this year.
A key focus of PM Modi’s stint in Kuwait will be his visit to a labour camp, where he will interact with Indian workers.
India-Kuwait Ties
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were officially established in 1961, with India initially represented by a trade commissioner.
India is one of Kuwait’s main trading partners. The Indian community is Kuwait’s largest expat community.
Kuwait is one of India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade estimated at $10.47 billion in fiscal year 2023-24.
Kuwait is India’s sixth largest crude supplier, providing 3% of the country’s energy needs.
Indian exports to Kuwait topped $2 billion for the first time, while the Kuwait Investment Authority’s investments in India surpassed $10 billion.
India and Kuwait have always had good relations, stretching back to pre-oil Kuwait, when marine trade with India was the backbone of the economy.
According to those keeping track of the two countries’ ties, Kuwait’s economy revolved around its fine harbour and maritime activities, which included shipbuilding, pearl diving, fishing, and voyages to India on wooden dhows carrying dates, Arabian horses, and pearls that were traded for wood, cereals, clothes, and spices.
The Indian rupee remained legal tender in Kuwait until 1961, symbolizing the country’s long-standing economic and cultural links.
Recent Engagements
Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jabar Al Sabah came on a private visit to India in July 2017.
In recent engagements, the Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Ali Al Hayya, visited India, further strengthening bilateral ties in the first week of this month. Additionally, the Foreign Ministers of both countries met in September 2024 during the inaugural India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh.
