Kuwait-India diplomatic ties reflect deep-rooted friendship
- 65-year diplomatic journey has resulted in nearly 40 agreements and memoranda of understanding covering politics, defense, economy, trade, investment, education, culture, health, sports, labor, civil aviation and energy – Ambassador Al-Shamali
Kuwait and India are looking to further strengthen their longstanding strategic partnership as the two countries mark 65 years of diplomatic relations, with expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy and other key sectors offering fresh opportunities for bilateral growth.
Kuwait’s Ambassador to India Meshal Al-Shamali said the anniversary of diplomatic relations, established in 1961, reflected a deep-rooted friendship shaped by centuries of maritime trade, social exchanges and growing cooperation.
Speaking to KUNA on Monday, he said the 65-year diplomatic journey had resulted in nearly 40 agreements and memoranda of understanding covering politics, defense, economy, trade, investment, education, culture, health, sports, labor, civil aviation and energy.
Several additional agreements and memoranda are under consideration and negotiation, and their completion would further reinforce the strategic partnership, particularly in economic and commercial cooperation, he said.
Al-Shamali noted that relations between the two countries had evolved from historical commercial and social connections into a formal diplomatic partnership, strengthened over the years through reciprocal high-level visits. The relationship reached the level of a strategic partnership during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait in December 2024.
He said the partnership reflected the shared commitment of both countries to achieving their development ambitions under Kuwait Vision 2035 and India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Bilateral relations are also gaining momentum through continued coordination between political and economic leaders, particularly amid prevailing geopolitical tensions.
Ongoing political consultations between the foreign ministries, along with meetings of joint committees and specialized working groups, provide important platforms for expanding cooperation, exchanging expertise and perspectives, and strengthening people-to-people ties, the ambassador said.
Describing India as one of Kuwait’s key trading partners, Al-Shamali highlighted the contribution of Kuwaiti investments to vital sectors of the Indian economy, while noting that such investments also support Kuwait’s efforts to diversify its sources of income.
He expressed hope for increased Kuwaiti investment in India and greater Indian investment in Kuwait, particularly in sectors capable of supporting national economic development.
The ambassador also noted India’s importance as an energy partner, saying Kuwait supplies around five percent of India’s oil and gas requirements. He said the development strategies of both countries offered considerable scope to broaden cooperation across multiple sectors and generate mutual economic benefits.
Al-Shamali expressed confidence that the coming years would bring further growth and progress in relations, building on the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Kuwait and India.
Source: KUNA
