New Delhi (TIP)- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kuwait on a two-day tour starting Saturday, December 21, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in over four decades. Modi’s visit will help in opening a new chapter in the bilateral ties, the MEA said on Friday, adding that his visit would help develop a more dynamic partnership between the two countries.
The visit aims to bolster a more dynamic partnership between the two nations, MEA said, adding, “We are looking at bolstering ties in several areas, including defence and trade.”
Elaborating on details of the visit in a special briefing, Secretary (CPV & OIA) Arun Kumar Chatterjee said, “This marks the first visit by an Indian PM to Kuwait in 43 years…There are excellent political relations between the two countries.”
Upon his arrival, PM Modi will be accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Bayan Palace. This will be followed by separate meetings with the Emir of Kuwait and the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Chatterjee said.
Additionally, the Prime Minister will address the Indian diaspora at a community event and will also visit a labour camp, that hosts Indian expat workers.
As a special guest of the Emir of Kuwait, PM Modi will also attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup. “There has been a major transformation in India’s ties with the Gulf region. The honourable PM has given special emphasis to strengthening and deepening relations with the Gulf countries,” Chatterjee added.
India and Kuwait Relations
The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait.
Kuwait is also among India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at $10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24. It ranks as India’s sixth-largest supplier of crude oil, fulfilling 3 per cent of the nation’s energy needs. Indian exports to Kuwait reached USD 2 billion for the first time, while investments from the Kuwait Investment Authority in India have exceeded USD 10 billion. Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jabar Al Sabah made a private visit to India in July 2017. The last high-level visit between the two nations was in 2013, when the Prime Minister of Kuwait travelled to India.
Bilateral mechanisms
India and Kuwait have institutionalised their cooperation through mechanisms such as the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), which was established during the visit of the Kuwaiti foreign minister to India in December 2024, which is headed at the foreign minister level. Seven new Joint Working Groups (JWGs) have been established in the areas of trade, investment, education, technology, agriculture, security, and culture. These complement the three existing JWGs in hydrocarbons, health, and consular matters, bringing the total number of JWGs to 10 following the signing of the JCC. Six rounds of Foreign Office Consultations (FOCs) have been held, with the latest taking place in July 2024. Additionally, 26 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) have been signed under this framework.
Economic relations
Kuwait is among India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at USD 10.47 billion in FY 2023-24.
Kuwait is India’s 6th largest crude supplier, meeting 3% of the country’s energy needs. Indian exports to Kuwait reached USD 2 billion for the first time, while investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceed USD 10 billion.