India and Kuwait acknowledge the critical role of defence in their new Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Kuwait on December 21-22, 2024 marked a significant milestone in India-Kuwait relations with the two nations signing multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening cooperation across diverse sectors, including defence, culture, energy, and sports. The visit also established a new Strategic Partnership between the two countries, highlighting the importance of their growing collaboration.

Closer Defence Collaboration to Ensure Regional Stability & Security
The most notable achievement of the visit was the signing of an MoU on cooperation in the field of defence. This agreement institutionalises bilateral cooperation, covering areas such as:
Joint military exercises
Training of defence personnel
Collaboration in the development and production of defence equipment
Maritime safety and coastal defence
Research and development in the defence sector

Both sides acknowledged the critical role of defence in their new Strategic Partnership, emphasising the need for closer collaboration to ensure regional stability and security.

Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) 2025-2029
The renewed Cultural Exchange Programme will facilitate enhanced cooperation in arts, music, dance, literature, and theater. It also includes initiatives for preserving cultural heritage and organizing festivals.

Executive Programme on Sports Cooperation 2025-2028
India and Kuwait signed an Executive Programme to promote bilateral cooperation in sports. The agreement focuses on:
Exchange of expertise in sports medicine, management, and media
Collaborative programs in sports science
Visits of sports leaders and participation in joint initiatives

This initiative is expected to foster closer ties through shared sporting endeavors and knowledge exchange.

Kuwait Joins the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Kuwait’s membership in the International Solar Alliance was another highlight of the visit. By joining the ISA, Kuwait commits to scaling up the deployment of solar energy and working with India and other member nations to develop sustainable, low-carbon growth trajectories. 

This collaboration aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote renewable energy solutions.

During bilateral talks with Kuwaiti leadership, including the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, discussions focused on:

Trade and Investment: Both sides emphasised the potential for expanding bilateral trade, currently dominated by energy imports. Kuwait expressed interest in exploring investments in India’s technology, tourism, healthcare, and food-security sectors. Ongoing negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty were discussed, with both parties agreeing to fast-track its completion.

Energy Cooperation: While expressing satisfaction with existing bilateral energy trade, the leaders explored avenues to transform the relationship into a comprehensive partnership. Kuwait showed interest in participating in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve Programme and expanding cooperation in upstream and downstream sectors.

Counter-Terrorism and Security: The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, disrupting terror financing networks, and dismantling safe havens. They also discussed strengthening cooperation in cybersecurity and transnational crime prevention.

Cultural and Human Resource Cooperation
With a large Indian diaspora in Kuwait, the welfare of Indian expatriates remains a cornerstone of bilateral ties. Kuwaiti leaders expressed deep appreciation for the contributions of the Indian community to Kuwait’s development. 

Both sides agreed to hold regular dialogues on labour and manpower issues and address expatriate welfare and labor mobility through enhanced consular cooperation.

The leaders also highlighted the importance of educational collaboration, including exchanges between higher education institutions and the promotion of digital learning platforms.

Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC)
The establishment of the Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC) earlier this month will act as an institutional mechanism to review and monitor bilateral relations across various sectors. This framework aims to sustain momentum in high-level interactions and foster deeper collaboration through Joint Working Groups on trade, investment, education, science and technology, and security.

Both nations celebrated their centuries-old relationship rooted in shared history and cultural affinities. Prime Minister Modi visited the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as the Guest of Honour, reflecting the warmth of the India-Kuwait friendship. He also received Kuwait’s highest civilian honor, the ‘Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer,’ in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait has not only elevated India-Kuwait relations to a Strategic Partnership but has also opened new avenues for cooperation in defence, energy, trade, and cultural exchange. As both nations work towards implementing these agreements, their collaboration promises to contribute significantly to regional and global stability. The visit reaffirms the enduring bond between India and Kuwait and sets the stage for a more prosperous and collaborative future.