NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kuwait on December 21-22, 2024, at the invitation of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. This marked his first official visit to Kuwait. On December 21, he attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as the ‘Guest of Honour.’
PM @narendramodi was conferred the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Order by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah. pic.twitter.com/W2H4pqy2Jp
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 22, 2024
On December 22, Prime Minister Modi was received at Bayan Palace, where he was awarded Kuwait’s highest honor, the ‘Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer.’ Both leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties and agreed to elevate India-Kuwait relations to a ‘Strategic Partnership,’ covering key areas like trade, defence, energy, education, and cultural exchanges.
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The leaders highlighted the potential for growth in trade and investment, with Kuwait showing interest in sectors like technology, healthcare, and food security in India. They also explored expanding energy cooperation, particularly in oil, gas, and renewable energy, and discussed Kuwait’s participation in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve Programme.
PM @narendramodi met with Mr. Fahad Ghazi Alabduljaleel, President of Kuwait Heritage Society in Kuwait. Their discussions delved into the rich historical ties between India and Kuwait pic.twitter.com/gHIjFKGwb0
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 22, 2024
Defence cooperation was bolstered by the signing of an MoU, aiming to enhance joint military exercises, training, and maritime safety. Both nations also condemned terrorism and agreed to enhance counter-terrorism and cybersecurity collaboration.
PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah. Their discussions centered around advancing India-Kuwait cooperation in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, IT, FinTech, infrastructure and security. pic.twitter.com/Tmlz1GxN7p
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 22, 2024
Health cooperation was strengthened with discussions on setting up Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Kuwait. The two sides also explored deeper technological collaboration in areas like semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
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PM @narendramodi met HH Shaikha AJ Al-Sabah, a yoga practitioner in Kuwait. They discussed ways to further popularise yoga, especially among the youth. pic.twitter.com/NeFD3aouLm
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 22, 2024
Cultural exchanges were furthered with the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme for 2025-2029, and an Executive Programme on Sports Cooperation for 2025-2028 was signed. Both sides discussed expanding educational ties, including a proposed special course for Kuwaiti diplomats in India.
The leaders expressed mutual appreciation for the contributions of the Indian community in Kuwait and discussed labour mobility and manpower cooperation.
PM @narendramodi and HH Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, the PM of Kuwait, had a productive meeting. They discussed ways to deepen bilateral ties, with a special emphasis on bolstering cooperation in sectors such as trade, investment, energy, defence, people-to-people… pic.twitter.com/fwagygF9tx
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 22, 2024
Prime Minister Modi congratulated Kuwait on its Presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and emphasized the importance of India-GCC cooperation. Both sides also called for the early conclusion of the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement.
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Several agreements were signed during the visit, including MoUs on defence, cultural exchange, sports, and Kuwait’s membership in the International Solar Alliance. Prime Minister Modi invited the Kuwaiti leadership to visit India, expressing optimism for the future of India-Kuwait relations.