India, Kuwait Sign MoU To Establish Joint Cooperation Commission

India and Kuwait have taken a significant step to strengthen bilateral ties with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC). External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al Yahya formalized the agreement during the latter’s official visit to India.

The JCC, operating at the level of foreign ministers, aims to serve as a comprehensive framework to review and monitor collaborations across various domains.

Focus Areas for Collaboration

Under the JCC mechanism, new Joint Working Groups will be formed in critical areas, including:

• Trade and Investment: To enhance economic ties and foster mutual growth.
• Education and Technology: Promoting knowledge sharing and innovation.
• Agriculture and Security: Strengthening food security and regional stability.
• Culture: Deepening people-to-people connections through cultural exchanges.

Additionally, existing working groups on hydrocarbons, health, and consular matters will operate under the JCC umbrella, ensuring seamless coordination in these essential sectors.

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister’s Visit Highlights

This marked the first official visit of Abdullah Ali Al Yahya as Kuwait’s foreign minister to India. During his visit:

• He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing its historical ties with Kuwait. PM Modi appreciated Kuwait’s efforts in ensuring the welfare of Indian nationals.
• In a bilateral meeting with EAM Jaishankar, both leaders reviewed cooperation in political, trade, energy, and food security sectors while exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Statements from Leaders

EAM Jaishankar highlighted the centuries-old friendship between the two nations, emphasizing their shared commitment to strengthening ties across diverse domains.
Kuwait’s Foreign Minister lauded India as a “very important partner” and expressed his desire to elevate the bilateral relationship into a strategic partnership. He also praised PM Modi as “one of the wisest leaders globally,” acknowledging his role in India’s rise on the world stage.

Strategic Importance

This MoU signifies a deepening of ties between India and Kuwait, underscoring their shared vision for mutual growth and stability in the region. By fostering cooperation across vital sectors, the JCC will pave the way for more robust bilateral relations.