Indian PM Visit to Kuwait

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.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

India-Kuwait Bilateral Relations

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

• 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.

Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store

• 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.