India, Kuwait elevate ties to ‘strategic partnership’

India and Kuwait elevated their ties to “a strategic partnership” over the weekend following extensive talks between Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi landed in Kuwait on Saturday for a two-day visit—the first by an Indian prime minister in over 40 years. Indira Gandhi visited the Gulf country in 1981.

External affairs minister S. Jaishankar and national security advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval accompanied Modi during the visit.

Modi met top leaders in the country, with talks largely focusing on strengthening political, trade, defense, and cultural relations between both nations.

“Held fruitful discussions with HH Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister of Kuwait. Our talks covered the full range of India-Kuwait relations, including trade, commerce, people-to-people ties and more. Key MoUs and Agreements were also exchanged, which will add strength to bilateral relations,” Modi said in a post on X.

Modi also met Kuwait’s crown prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah during which they discussed expanding co-operation across sectors, including energy, education, technology, and security.

The discussions also included expanding bilateral trade and investments, primarily focusing on diversifying trade and boosting Kuwaiti investments in India.

A memorandum of understanding on defense co-operation was signed, along with a proposal to renew bilateral cultural exchange programs for 2025-29, and an executive program on sports collaboration for 2025-28.

Discussions included enhancing cultural and educational exchanges, with plans for Kuwaiti diplomats to receive training in India. Kuwait also joined the India-led International Solar Alliance.

Modi guest of honor at 26th Arabian Gulf Cup 

During the visit, Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as “guest of honor,” following an invitation from Sheikh Meshal.

Modi also met two Kuwaiti nationals—Abdullah Al Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al Nesef—who had translated Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata into Arabic.

He even signed copies of the Arabic versions of the epics.

“I compliment Abdullah Al Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al Nesef for their efforts in translating and publishing these epics. Their initiative highlights the global popularity of Indian culture,” the prime minister said in a post on X.

PM receives Kuwait’s highest national award

On Sunday, Sheikh Meshal awarded Modi Kuwait’s highest national award, the Wisam Mubarak al Kabeer (the Order of Mubarak the Great).

“I am honored to be conferred the Mubarak al Kabeer Order by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah. I dedicate this honor to the people of India and to the strong friendship between India and Kuwait,” the prime minister said in a post on X.

First introduced in 1974, the Order of Mubarak the Great is an honor often bestowed on heads of state, foreign sovereigns, and royal family members in a bid to show Kuwait’s friendship and goodwill.

Notable recipients before Modi included Queen Elizabeth II, former US presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, and former French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

India’s ministry of external affairs said, “Prime Minister dedicated the award to the long-standing friendship between India and Kuwait, to the Indian community in Kuwait and to the 1.4 billion people of India. The conferment of the award on this historic visit of a Prime Minister of India to Kuwait after 43 years added a special meaning to the occasion.”