Indian PM Visit to Kuwait

GS Paper II International Relations

PM Narendra Modi is set to visit Kuwait on December 21-22, 2024.

It would be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years.
The invitation was extended by the head of state of Kuwait , Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
- It aims to deepen the bilateral ties between the two nations.

Significance of the Visit

The visit aims to further enhance trade, energy, and cultural ties, reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and Kuwait.
It reflects India’s growing global outreach and commitment to strengthening relationships with Gulf nations.

India and Kuwait share a strong and friendly relationship rooted in historical and cultural ties.

It is a country in West Asia, part of the Middle East.
It is bordered by
- Iraq to the north
- Saudi Arabia to the south.
- It also shared its maritime border with Iran, across the Persian Gulf.
Capital: Kuwait City
Economy: It is a high income country with six largest oil reserves globally.
Known as: “Hollywood of the Gulf” due to its vibrant art and cultural scene.

Political Relations
- India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Kuwait in 1961.
- Celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2021-22.
- Notable high-level visits include:
  - From India: Vice President Zakir Husain (1965), Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (1981), and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2024).
  - From Kuwait: Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed (1980, 1983) and Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak (2013).
Economic Relations
- Trade:
  - India has been a natural trading partner of Kuwait.
  - Until 1961, the Indian Rupee was a legal tender in Kuwait.
  - Before oil development, Kuwait’s economy was based on shipbuilding, pearl diving, fishing, and maritime trade with India.
  - Bilateral trade in FY 2023-24 was USD 10.47 billion, with a 34.7% growth in Indian exports.
  - Kuwait is India’s 6th largest crude oil supplier, meeting 3% of energy needs.
- Investments:
  - Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) has invested over USD 10 billion in India.
  - Indian PSUs and private companies, like Air India, L&T, and Wipro, operate in Kuwait.

Cultural Relations
- A ‘Festival of India’ was held in Kuwait in March 2023 under the Ministry of Culture.
- Hindi Radio and Literary Contributions
  - Kuwait National Radio started a weekly Hindi program, ‘Namaste Kuwait,’ in April 2024. .
  - Kuwaiti nationals translated abridged versions of the Ramayana and Mahabharata into Arabic.
  - Indian movies are broadcast weekly on Kuwait National TV and screened in theaters upon release.
Educational Relations: Kuwait has 26 schools following the CBSE curriculum, with over 60,000 students, mainly Indian and some other expatriates.

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