Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kuwait on December 21-22, 2024, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years.This historic visit underscores the deep-rooted and multifaceted relationship between India and Kuwait, characterized by strong economic ties, cultural connections, and a significant Indian expatriate community.
Historical Context
The last visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait was in 1981 by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.Since then, bilateral relations have evolved significantly, with both nations collaborating in various sectors, including trade, energy, and education.The upcoming visit by Prime Minister Modi is expected to further strengthen these ties and explore new avenues for cooperation.
Economic Relations
India and Kuwait share robust economic relations, with India being among Kuwait's top trading partners.Bilateral trade between the two countries was valued at $10.47 billion during the 2023-24 period.Indian exports to Kuwait have shown a significant increase, rising from $1.56 billion in 2022-23 to $2.1 billion in 2023-24, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 34.7%.Kuwait is also a crucial supplier of crude oil to India, meeting approximately 3% of India's energy needs.Additionally, the Kuwait Investment Authority has invested over $10 billion in India, highlighting the strong economic partnership between the two nations.
Indian Community in Kuwait
The Indian community in Kuwait is the largest expatriate group in the country, numbering about one million individuals.This community has played a pivotal role in strengthening people-to-people ties and contributing to Kuwait's development across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and business.During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to interact with members of the Indian community, acknowledging their contributions and addressing their concerns.
Strategic and Diplomatic Engagements
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold discussions with Kuwait's leadership, including the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.These talks are anticipated to cover a wide range of topics, including enhancing bilateral trade, energy cooperation, security collaboration, and cultural exchanges.The visit provides an opportunity to institutionalize cooperation through mechanisms like the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) and various Joint Working Groups (JWGs) in areas such as trade, investment, education, technology, agriculture, security, and culture.
Recent Interactions
In the lead-up to this visit, there have been several high-level interactions between the two countries.External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Kuwait in August 2024, and Kuwait's Foreign Minister, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, traveled to India in December 2024.These engagements have set the stage for Prime Minister Modi's visit, aiming to further deepen the strategic partnership between India and Kuwait.
Cultural and Historical Ties
The relationship between India and Kuwait is not limited to economic and strategic interests; it is also deeply rooted in cultural and historical connections.The Indian rupee was legal tender in Kuwait until 1961, symbolizing the enduring economic ties between the two nations.Cultural exchanges, including art, music, and cuisine, have further enriched the bilateral relationship, fostering mutual understanding and respect.
Future Prospects
Prime Minister Modi's visit is expected to pave the way for new collaborations in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, information technology, and healthcare. Both countries are likely to explore opportunities to enhance investments, technological partnerships, and educational exchanges, contributing to mutual growth and development.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Kuwait signifies a milestone in India-Kuwait relations.It reflects the commitment of both nations to deepen their partnership, building on historical ties and exploring new horizons for cooperation.As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in over four decades, it holds the promise of ushering in a new era of strengthened bilateral relations, benefiting the people of both countries.
