KUWAIT CITY, May 20: In a testament to the rich and enduring friendship between Kuwait and India, the Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, praised the relationship between the two nations as a unique model of brotherhood and cultural synergy. His remarks came during the inauguration of the exhibition “Rihla - E-  Dosti: 250 Years of Relations between India and Kuwait,” hosted at the Kuwait National Library in collaboration with the Embassy of India and the Kuwait Heritage Society.

Dr. Al-Jassar emphasized that the relationship between Kuwait and India has never been limited to mere economic interests. “It is a deep and exceptional bond woven through centuries of mutual respect, cultural exchange, and shared values,” he said. Highlighting the long-standing maritime and commercial ties, he described how the early roots of this connection began around 1775 when Kuwaiti ships first docked at Indian ports. These initial encounters laid the foundation for what would become a dynamic trade network stretching across the East and West, positioning Kuwait as a vital commercial hub in the Gulf region.

He noted that many Kuwaiti families eventually settled near Indian ports, engaging in the export of key commodities such as foodstuffs and timber, while importing dates and Arabian horses, contributing significantly to the economic and cultural prosperity of both nations. “Our shared heritage and ancient history continue to be a guiding light toward a future of stronger cooperation and cultural unity,” Al-Jassar added.

The exhibition, which runs until the end of the week, showcases rare archival photographs, historical documents, and items that highlight the profound civilizational and cultural influence exchanged between the two countries over centuries. Seminars and interactive sessions also explore these deep-rooted connections.

Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Adarsh Sewaka, echoed these sentiments, noting that the relationship between the two countries predates their formation as modern states. He recalled how Kuwaiti vessels once carried dates, pearls, and horses to Indian shores, returning with rice, spices, wood, and textiles—products that sustained not only Kuwait but the wider Gulf region.

Ambassador Sewaka stressed the importance of educating the younger generations about this historic bond. “This exhibition serves as a celebration of our shared journey and a reminder to our youth of the cultural bridges that have long connected our peoples,” he said. He revealed that school and university students from across Kuwait would visit the exhibition in the coming days.

Among the displays are documents related to trade at Indian ports, Arabic books on pearl diving printed in India, historic banknotes and currencies used in Kuwait up to 1961, and postage stamps printed in India. These artifacts offer a tangible look into the intertwined legacies of India and Kuwait.

The ambassador extended his gratitude to the NCCAL for its ongoing efforts in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and praised the Kuwait Heritage Society, particularly its chairman Fahad Al-Abduljalil, for being instrumental in bringing the event to life.

The exhibition, “Dosti’s Journey: 250 Years of India-Kuwait Relations,” is a joint initiative involving the Embassy of India, NCCAL, Kuwait Heritage Society, National Archives of India, and India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of External Affairs. It stands as a powerful tribute to the centuries-old relationship built on trade, trust, and an enduring cultural kinship.