Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, resulted in a landmark agreement to enhance defence cooperation and elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.
This aligns with India’s recent efforts to strengthen security and defence collaboration with Gulf nations, reflecting the importance of Kuwait, home to the largest Indian expatriate community.
“The agreement will institutionalise bilateral cooperation in the area of defence,” said the Indian government, adding that key areas of cooperation will include joint military exercises, training of defence personnel, coastal defence, maritime safety, joint development and production of defence equipment.
Importantly for India, Kuwait joined India in unequivocally condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, and dismantling of terror infrastructure. Expressing appreciation of their ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of security, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, information and intelligence sharing and, among other things, to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes
Modi held bilateral discussions with Kuwait PM Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, looking to finalise a roadmap to strengthen the strategic partnership in areas, including political, trade, investment, energy, defence, security, health, education, technology, cultural, and people-to-people ties. He also met the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah AlHamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.
PM Modi honoured
PM Modi was honoured with Kuwait's highest civilian award 'The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer', which is awarded to Heads of State, foreign Sovereigns and members of foreign royal families. The Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, conferred the honour to the PM during his two-day visit to Kuwait. Visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of the State of Kuwait, PM Modi held multiple engagements and discussions to further deepen the India-Kuwait ties.
PM Modi invited a delegation comprising the Kuwaiti Investment Authority and other stakeholders to visit India to look at new opportunities in the fields of energy, defence, medical devices, pharma, food parks, among others. The leaders also discussed cooperation in traditional medicine and agricultural research. They welcomed the recent signing of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) under which new Joint Working Groups in the areas of trade, investment, education, technology, agriculture, security and culture have been set up in addition to the existing JWGs on Health, Manpower and Hydrocarbons," read a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.
During Modi’s visit to Kuwait, amid renewed ceasefire efforts in Gaza, discussions likely touched on the West Asia situation. Kuwait, holding the GCC presidency, recently called for a temporary ceasefire at a GCC summit. While no official statements were made, India is believed to have reiterated its support for a ceasefire and a two-state solution.
Kuwait, one of India’s top trading partners, recorded bilateral trade of USD 10.47 billion in 2023-24 and is India’s sixth-largest crude supplier, meeting 3% of its energy needs. Indian exports to Kuwait surpassed USD 2 billion, while Kuwait Investment Authority investments in India topped USD 10 billion.
