Indian Minister joins Kuwait National Day celebrations, Ambassador Shemali foresees stronger ties with India
Kuwait’s National Day celebration in India was attended by Minister Ram Mohan Naidu indicating strong ties between the two nations. Ambassador Meshal Al-Shemali highlighted bilateral relations and Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit, which elevated ties to a strategic partnership with key agreements in defense, culture, and energy.
By S A H Rizvi
Chief Of Bureau, New Delhi
The Times Kuwait
India reaffirmed its strong ties with Kuwait by sending its Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, as the Chief Guest at the celebrations for Kuwait’s 64th National Day and 34th Liberation Day. The event, hosted by the Embassy of Kuwait in New Delhi, was marked by a vibrant and traditional atmosphere.
On his arrival, Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu was warmly received by Kuwait’s Ambassador to India, H.E. Meshal Mustafa Al-Shemali, who escorted the Minster to the podium for playing of the national anthems of both countries. Ambassador Al-Shemali later presented a traditional Kuwaiti robe and mementos to Minister Naidu, and the two also exchanged views.
The Indian Minister Ram Mohan Naidu shared his sentiments on his “X” account, stating, “As Kuwait celebrates its 64th National Day, I was honored to join the Embassy of Kuwait in India as the Chief Guest on behalf of the Government of India.”
Importantly, India and Kuwait share a strong friendship, deeply rooted in trade, culture, and the vibrant Indian community, which is the largest expatriate group in Kuwait.
Moreover, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the partnership between India and Kuwait continues to strengthen, driven by mutual trust and shared aspirations.
What’s more is that Minister Ram Mohan Naidu in his tweet, wished the people of Kuwait a joyous National Day and a future of prosperity.
Amidst the backdrop of the Kuwaiti and Indian national flags, the National Day celebrations featured traditional hospitality, offering the finest Kahwa, famous Kuwaiti sweets, dates, and a display of local artifacts.
Furthermore, welcoming the guests to the event, H.E. Meshal Mustafa Al-Shemali extended his warmest congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince, as well as the esteemed government and people of Kuwait.
In his message on this joyous occasion, Ambassador Al-Shemali stated that since gaining independence in 1961, Kuwait has made remarkable progress across various sectors. He highlighted the nation’s prosperous future, shaped by visionary leadership, while remaining committed to the values of peace, cooperation, and diplomacy.
Ambassador Al-Shemali emphasized the deep-rooted and historic ties between Kuwait and India, which have flourished over decades. He noted that the relationship is built on mutual respect, shared values, and a rich history of trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic engagement.
On a significant note, Ambassador Al-Shemali highlighted the historic visit of His Excellency Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, to Kuwait from December 21-22, 2024, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years.
Ambassador Al-Shemali noted that Prime Minister Modi’s visit led to the elevation of India-Kuwait relations to a strategic partnership. During the visit, both countries signed four Memoranda of Understanding in the fields of defense cooperation, cultural exchange, sports collaboration, and Kuwait’s inclusion in the International Solar Alliance, he added.
In conclusion, Ambassador Al-Shemali reaffirmed that the visit by the Indian Prime Minister, would strengthen partnerships in existing areas such as energy, trade, and food security while exploring new avenues for collaboration in defense and investment.
Ambassador Al-Shemali emphasized that it would reinforce shared values and pave the way for a stronger partnership in the future. On this occasion, the embassy received several congratulatory messages from various Indian government agencies and members of the diplomatic corps in New Delhi.
Regarding Kuwait’s National Day, it is celebrated annually on February 25, commemorating the ascension of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the first Amir of the State of Kuwait, to the throne in 1950.
