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India, Kuwait Sign Deals On Defence, Solar Energy Cooperation

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to Kuwait marked a new chapter in bilateral relations as India and Kuwait elevated their ties to a strategic partnership. The visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, resulted in several significant outcomes, including a milestone Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the defence sector, Kuwait’s membership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and agreements on cultural and sports exchange programmes.

Strengthening Defence Ties

The defence agreement signed during the visit aims to institutionalize bilateral cooperation in various areas such as training, exchange of personnel and experts, joint exercises, defence industry collaboration, and research and development. The External Affairs Ministry highlighted that this partnership would enhance security cooperation and promote mutual interests in the region.

Kuwait Joins International Solar Alliance

Kuwait’s inclusion in the ISA was another key highlight of the visit. The alliance focuses on the deployment of solar energy and addressing challenges related to scaling up its use. This move is expected to support Kuwait’s low-carbon growth initiatives and strengthen global efforts to combat climate change.

Economic and Investment Opportunities

Prime Minister Modi invited the Kuwait Investment Authority to explore investment opportunities in India, with special emphasis on food parks and infrastructure projects. Bilateral trade between the two nations stood at USD 10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24, with Kuwait being India’s sixth-largest crude supplier and meeting 3% of its energy needs. Indian exports to Kuwait reached USD 2 billion for the first time, while Kuwaiti investments in India exceeded USD 10 billion.

Cultural and Strategic Discussions

During talks at the Bayan Palace, Modi and Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah discussed boosting cooperation in sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, fintech, and security. They reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral ties, recalling the strong historical relationship between the two nations. The leaders also jointly condemned terrorism and its funding in all forms.

Recognition and Ceremonial Honors

In a special gesture, Kuwait conferred its highest honour, ‘The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer,’ on PM Modi for his role in strengthening bilateral relations. Breaking protocol, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah accompanied Modi to the airport, showcasing the warmth of the relationship.

Kuwait Vision 2035 and GCC Cooperation

Modi praised Kuwait’s initiatives under its ‘Vision 2035’ framework, aimed at economic diversification and development. He also congratulated the Emir for successfully hosting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit. The GCC, comprising Kuwait and five other nations, is a vital trading bloc for India, with trade volume reaching USD 184.46 billion in 2022-23.

Indian Community in Kuwait

With over one million Indians residing in Kuwait, Modi expressed gratitude to the Emir for their well-being and acknowledged their contribution to Kuwait’s development journey. The Indian community is the largest expatriate group in the Gulf nation.

Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit to Kuwait underscored the growing strategic importance of the relationship between the two nations. The agreements and initiatives announced during the visit are set to bolster defence, economic, and cultural ties, paving the way for a stronger partnership. The invitation extended by Modi to his Kuwaiti counterpart to visit India signals continued engagement and cooperation in the years ahead.

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