Kuwait, India bonds flourish - Ties yield nearly 40 agreements

Kuwait’s Ambassador to India Meshal Al-Shamali

NEW DELHI, Nov 2: Kuwait’s Ambassador to India Meshal Al-Shamali said the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1961, reflects a long-standing partnership rooted in history. Speaking to KUNA on Monday, Al-Shamali said the 65-year diplomatic journey had produced nearly 40 agreements and memoranda of understanding covering politics, defense, economy, trade, investment, education, culture, health, sports, labor, civil aviation and energy. Several other agreements and memoranda remain under consideration and negotiation, he said, expressing hope they would be finalized soon and further strengthen the strategic partnership, particularly in economic and trade fields. He noted that historical ties between the two countries developed through centuries of maritime trade and social exchanges before taking formal shape with the establishment of diplomatic relations. They were subsequently strengthened through high-level reciprocal visits.

Such visits at various levels have contributed to the steady growth of bilateral relations and their advancement to a strategic partnership during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Kuwait in December 2024. Al-Shamali said the partnership reflected both countries’ commitment to meeting the aspirations of their peoples under Kuwait Vision 2035 and India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. He added that bilateral relations were witnessing significant momentum, supported by continued coordination between political and economic leaders, particularly amid current geopolitical tensions. This cooperation is also reflected in ongoing political consultations between the two foreign ministries and meetings of joint committees and specialized working groups, he said. These mechanisms help maximize mutual benefits and expand longstanding ties through continued high-level exchanges, broader cooperation, the sharing of expertise and perspectives, and stronger peopleto- people relations.

Al-Shamali described India as one of Kuwait’s key trading partners, noting that Kuwaiti investments in vital Indian sectors contribute to India’s economic development while supporting Kuwait’s efforts to diversify its income sources. He expressed hope for increased Kuwaiti investment in India and greater Indian investment in Kuwait in sectors that would advance the national economy. Kuwait is also among India’s major oil and gas suppliers, meeting around five percent of its energy needs through exports, he added. The ambassador said Kuwait Vision 2035 and India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 offer significant opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation across various sectors and achieve mutual benefits. He expressed confidence that the coming years would bring further progress, growth and prosperity to the strategic partnership between the two friendly countries. (KUNA)