Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, on an official visit to India, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him “one of the wisest persons worldwide.” His remarks highlighted India’s growing stature as a global partner and emphasized the historical and robust relationship between the two nations.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Al-Yahya arrived in India late Tuesday night and began his visit with a courtesy call on PM Modi at Lok Kalyan Marg. Following this, he held a delegation-level meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House.
During his opening remarks, Al-Yahya expressed Kuwait’s admiration for PM Modi’s leadership, stating,
“India is a very important partner, and we count on our relationship.”
The visit aimed to explore avenues for further strengthening the multifaceted ties between India and Kuwait, ranging from trade to cultural exchanges.
Historical Foundations of India-Kuwait Relations
The bilateral relationship between India and Kuwait is deeply rooted in history, predating Kuwait’s independence in 1961. Highlights include:
- Economic Interdependence: Kuwait’s pre-oil economy thrived on maritime activities, such as shipbuilding, pearl diving, and trade with India. Indian goods like wood, spices, and textiles were exchanged for Arabian horses, dates, and pearls.
- Indian Rupee Legacy: Before its independence, the Indian Rupee was Kuwait’s legal tender.
Modern-Day Collaboration
The partnership continues to flourish in modern times, with strong people-to-people and economic ties:
- Indian Community in Kuwait: Over one million Indians reside in Kuwait, forming the largest expatriate group. They contribute significantly across diverse sectors, including engineering, IT, medicine, and trade.
- Business Contributions: Indian brands like Lulu Hypermarket and Centre Point have become key players in Kuwait’s economy.
- Cultural Exchange: Over 200 Indian associations registered with the Indian Embassy in Kuwait organize events that promote cultural and social ties.
Leaders’ Statements on Future Roadmaps
Al-Yahya expressed optimism about the Joint Committee between India and Kuwait, stating,
“I think the Joint Committee will solve many issues… We can draw a roadmap and proceed as fast as we can.”
PM Modi, in turn, highlighted the strong relationship on X (formerly Twitter), stating,
“India is committed to advancing our deep-rooted and historical ties for the benefit of our people and the region.”
