IBPC Kuwait announces new leadership, focus on business networking and India–Kuwait ties
The Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) Kuwait has ushered in a new leadership team for the 2026–2028 term, with a renewed focus on expanding business engagement, strengthening institutional partnerships and contributing to closer India–Kuwait economic relations.
The new leadership took charge following IBPC’s Annual General Meeting and elections held on October 6, 2026, at the Holiday Inn, Salmiya. In accordance with IBPC protocol, Gaurav Oberoi, who served as Vice Chairman during the previous term, assumed office as Chairman, while Sunit Arora, previously Joint Secretary, took over as Secretary.
In the elections conducted for the remaining office-bearer positions, Suresh K.P. was elected Vice Chairman, Krishen Suryakanth as Joint Secretary, and Ramadoss Karthik as Treasurer for the 2026–2028 term. Addressing members after assuming office, Chairman Gaurav Oberoi outlined the new team’s vision to further strengthen IBPC as an effective platform connecting businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals in India and Kuwait.
He emphasized closer engagement with the Embassy of India in Kuwait, Kuwaiti institutions, Indian industry bodies and international business councils. “Our focus will be on creating meaningful opportunities for our members, strengthening institutional partnerships and contributing to the growing economic relationship between India and Kuwait,” Oberoi said.
Newly-elected Vice Chairman Suresh K.P. thanked members for the confidence placed in him through the election and emphasized the importance of unity following the democratic process. “The trust placed in us by our members brings greater responsibility and accountability. The election is now behind us, and we are one IBPC, one team, working towards a shared purpose,” he said.
Outgoing Chairman Dr. Kaizar T. Shakir, in his farewell address, thanked members for their support and reflected on the Council’s progress during his tenure. He highlighted the collective efforts that expanded IBPC’s business, professional and institutional engagement and encouraged the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals to play a greater role in the Council.
Former IBPC Chairmen Dhiraj Oberoi, Tony Jashanmal, S.K. Wadhawan and Shivy Bhasin also addressed the gathering, recalling the Council’s journey and its contribution over the years. They encouraged greater participation of young entrepreneurs and professionals in IBPC’s future leadership, while emphasizing the Council’s continuing role in strengthening India–Kuwait relations.
They also called for more business networking initiatives that would enable members to connect, exchange opportunities and build stronger business partnerships. During the AGM, outgoing Secretary Suresh K.P. presented a report highlighting the Council’s major programmes, business delegations, partnerships and community initiatives during the previous term.
Treasurer Krishen Suryakanth presented the audited financial statements, prepared by CA Deepak Bindal, which were unanimously approved by the members. The new leadership plans to build further on IBPC’s relationships with leading Indian institutions, including Invest India, ASSOCHAM, FICCI, CII, NASSCOM, TPCI and FIEO, while expanding engagement with the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kuwaiti business leaders and international business councils in Kuwait.
The Council will also strengthen its connections with Indian business councils across the GCC, creating wider avenues for cross-border networking, entrepreneurship, investment and professional collaboration. The AGM concluded with the new leadership reaffirming its commitment to build on the strong foundation established by successive IBPC leadership teams and to take the Council forward with greater member participation and engagement.
