KUWAIT CITY, Dec 11: The Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Paramita Tripathi says the visit of the Indian Coast Guard vessel Sarthak to Kuwait marks a significant milestone in the growing defense cooperation between the two countries. She emphasized that Indian-Kuwaiti relations are “built on deep historical ties and are poised to expand into broader strategic partnerships in multiple sectors.” During a reception aboard the ship, attended by several ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, the acting Undersecretary of the Amiri Diwan Mazen Al-Essa, and representatives from the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, Coast Guard, and Kuwaiti maritime authorities, Ambassador Tripathi stated that the event “is not merely a celebratory evening, but an occasion to reflect the depth of the friendship between India and Kuwait, built on many years of trust, cooperation, and shared aspirations.” She reiterated that the presence of the Sarthak in Kuwait marks a “significant milestone” in ongoing defense cooperation, especially since both countries share the responsibility of ensuring the security of Arabian Gulf waters and protecting vital maritime shipping lanes.

The ambassador affirmed that the ship “represents India’s naval capabilities and reflects the professionalism, readiness, and humanitarian service of its Coast Guard personnel”, adding that the Indian-Kuwaiti partnership extends across a wide range of sectors, including energy security, food, health, education, and technology. She also highlighted the countries’ support for each other during challenging times, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when India sent a 15-member rapid response medical team, and the Indian Navy and Air Force provided Kuwait with emergency oxygen supplies in 2021.

Ambassador Tripathi highlighted the important milestones that shaped the modern phase of bilateral relations, beginning with the visit of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad to India in 2006, which “paved the way for deeper strategic dialogue,” followed by the visit of the Indian vice president to Kuwait in 2009. She affirmed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait last December “opened a new chapter,” during which His Highness the Amir awarded him the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer and four significant agreements were signed, including a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation, ratified by both countries. Looking ahead, the ambassador affirmed that the bilateral partnership is “moving towards promising horizons” in maritime security, defense, renewable energy, digital innovation, food security, and healthcare, adding, “India is ready to work side by side with Kuwait for a more prosperous and stable future for our two peoples.”

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff