India and Kuwait Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership

On 22nd December, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kuwait's Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah held their first bilateral meeting, upgrading relations to a "strategic partnership" focused on trade and defence cooperation.

Key Points

Strengthening Bilateral Ties: PM visit marked the first by an Indian PM in 43 years, highlighting India-Kuwait ties, with bilateral trade valued at $10.47 billion in 2023-24.
Defence Cooperation Agreement: Includes training, joint exercises, equipment supply, and R&D collaboration.
MoUs Signed: Cooperation agreements in sports, culture, and solar energy were finalized.
Expatriate Community Contribution: PM thanked Kuwait for supporting over one million Indians, while the Amir lauded their role in Kuwait’s development.
India-GCC Engagement: Both sides emphasized early finalization of the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement.
Regional Stability: Leaders condemned terrorism and emphasized peace and security in West Asia.
Vision 2035 Cooperation: Kuwait invited India’s participation in initiatives aligned with its developmental roadmap.