Al Haqeeqa
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait on December 21-22, 2024, marked a historic milestone in India’s relations with the Gulf nation. This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years, after Indira Gandhi’s visit in 1981. The trip, which saw the elevation of India-Kuwait relations to a strategic partnership, is reflective of India’s growing influence in West Asia and its proactive diplomacy in the region. This write-up throws light on the key outcomes of the visit and situates them in the broader context of India’s West Asia strategy.
One of the most notable achievements of PM Modi’s visit was the agreement to elevate India-Kuwait relations to the level of a “Strategic Partnership.” This move signifies a commitment to comprehensive and structured cooperation across key areas such as trade, investment, defence, energy, and cultural exchanges. Historically, India and Kuwait have enjoyed close ties, rooted in centuries-old trade and cultural affinities. The elevation to a strategic partnership formalizes this historical bond while addressing contemporary global and regional challenges. The establishment of a Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC) is a key institutional mechanism for monitoring and expanding bilateral engagements. Headed by the foreign ministers of both countries, the JCC aims to provide strategic direction and ensure the implementation of initiatives across diverse sectors. This institutionalization reflects a shared commitment to deepening ties in a structured and sustainable manner. Trade has long been an enduring link between India and Kuwait, and the visit underscored the potential for further growth and diversification. Kuwait, with its significant investment capacity, expressed keen interest in exploring opportunities in India’s fast-growing economy. Sectors such as technology, healthcare, tourism, food security, and logistics were identified as areas of mutual interest. Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund, one of the largest in the world, holds the potential to play a transformative role in India’s infrastructure development and other strategic sectors. The discussions also highlighted the importance of fast-tracking negotiations and facilitating greater business-to-business interactions. Energy remains a cornerstone of the India-Kuwait relationship, with Kuwait being one of India’s major suppliers of crude oil. The visit marked a shift in focus from a traditional buyer-seller relationship to a more comprehensive energy partnership. This includes collaboration in upstream and downstream sectors, renewable energy, and participation in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve Programme. Kuwait’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a significant step in fostering sustainable energy solutions. Both nations agreed to work closely to promote the deployment of solar energy and low-carbon growth trajectories. This aligns with India’s emphasis on renewable energy and its global leadership in the fight against climate change. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation was another major highlight of the visit. The MoU provides a framework for enhancing collaboration in joint military exercises, training, coastal defence, maritime safety, and the joint development and production of defence equipment. This marks a significant step in strengthening the defence pillar of the strategic partnership. Security cooperation also received considerable attention. Both sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They agreed to disrupt terrorism financing networks, dismantle terror infrastructure, and enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, cybersecurity, and transnational crimes. The discussions reflect a shared commitment to addressing regional and global security challenges.
India’s vibrant diaspora in Kuwait, numbering over one million, plays a crucial role in strengthening bilateral ties. PM Modi’s visit underscored the importance of people-to-people connections as a fundamental pillar of India-Kuwait relations. The renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for 2025-2029 and the signing of an Executive Programme on Sports for 2025-2028 are aimed at fostering greater cultural and sports exchanges. The visit also emphasized collaboration in education and skills development. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening institutional linkages, promoting online learning platforms, and modernizing educational infrastructure. These initiatives aim to create a robust framework for human resource development, benefiting both nations. PM Modi’s visit to Kuwait should be viewed within the broader context of India’s West Asia strategy. The region is of strategic importance to India due to its energy needs, trade routes, and the presence of a large Indian diaspora. India’s proactive engagement with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has yielded significant dividends, including enhanced economic and security cooperation. Kuwait’s current chairmanship of the GCC provides an opportunity to deepen India-GCC cooperation under the recently adopted Joint Action Plan. Both sides also stressed the importance of concluding the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement at the earliest. This would not only boost trade and investment but also reinforce India’s position as a key partner in the region. India and Kuwait reiterated their commitment to an effective multilateral system cantered on a reformed United Nations. Both sides emphasized the need for Security Council reforms to make it more representative and reflective of contemporary realities. This aligns with India’s longstanding advocacy for a more equitable global governance structure.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait is a testimony to India’s growing influence in West Asia and its ability to engage with key regional players on equal terms. The visit not only deepened bilateral ties but also positioned India as a reliable partner in addressing regional and global challenges. By focusing on economic cooperation, energy security, defence collaboration, and cultural exchanges, the visit has laid a strong foundation for a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership. India continues to expand its strategic footprint in West Asia, the elevation of its ties with Kuwait serves as a model for its engagements with other Gulf nations. This historic visit underscores the importance of proactive diplomacy and a comprehensive approach to fostering enduring partnerships. In a rapidly changing global landscape, India’s engagement with West Asia will remain a cornerstone of its foreign policy, contributing to regional stability and global progress.
-Altaf Mir,
PhD, Jamia Millia Islamia
