Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Kuwait marked a significant moment in Indian diplomacy, as it was the first time in 43 years any Indian Prime Minister has graced the shores of this Gulf nation. The visit not only aimed at reinforcing the longstanding ties between India and Kuwait but also heralded the initiation of new dimensions of cooperation across various sectors.
During the two-day visit, which commenced on December 21, 2024, Modi was awarded 'The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer' by the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, highlighting the importance of this moment for both nations. The symbolic gesture of the Prime Minister accepting the award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians signified unity and mutual respect within the bilateral relationship.
India and Kuwait announced the elevation of their ties to a 'strategic partnership,' focusing on areas including politics, trade, investments, energy, defense, security, health, education technology, culture, and people-to-people relations. Modi's visit aligns with India's broader foreign policy strategy aimed at enhancing its presence and engagement with Middle Eastern countries, especially during tumultuous times marked by geopolitical uncertainties.
Kuwait holds strategic significance for India, not only due to its rich energy resources but also because of the large Indian diaspora, which constitutes approximately 21% of Kuwait’s overall population. There are about 1 million Indians residing there, and they contribute significantly to the country’s economy, having sent over $2 billion back home as remittances during the 2021-22 period.
At the community event dubbed 'Hala Modi,' attended by members of the Indian diaspora, Modi expressed his admiration for the cultural ties forged over decades. He remarked, “You have added Indian touch to Kuwaiti society. You have filled the canvas of Kuwait with the colors of Indian skills.” His speech celebrated the diversity of the community and South Asian contributions to Kuwait's heritage and development.
This visit is seen as pivotal not only for diplomatic reasons but also from the perspective of economic cooperation. India aims to introduce its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system to Kuwait, following successful implementations in the UAE. This step emphasizes India’s push for digitalization and payment innovations, which can significantly ease transactions within the region.
Further, Modi’s discussions with Kuwaiti leadership also revolved around enhancing cooperation within renewable energy sectors, aligning with Kuwait's ambitions to diversify its economy away from traditional oil dependence. India is encouraging Kuwait to invest through its Sovereign Wealth Fund, promoting several clean energy projects, which also represent India’s leadership role within the Global South.
Challenges still loom, as the backdrop of Middle Eastern conflicts necessitates delicate diplomatic navigation. Modi's ability to maintain relations with various stakeholders, including Gulf Arab states, Israel, and Iran, showcases India's diplomatic prowess. Modi's assertion, “Today, the relationship between India and Kuwait is one of civilizations, shaped by shared history and culture,” encapsulates this intertwining of interests and history.
From the time of India's engagement with Kuwait during its oil boom to the contemporary multifaceted ties, India has sought to balance its interests carefully, contributing to stability and growth within the region.
Even though there have been periods of diplomatic tension, particularly during the Iraq invasion of Kuwait, India gradually overcame these hurdles to strike partnerships by promoting mutual interests, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges.
Kuwait’s recent initiative to act as a mediator during regional conflicts signals its willingness to engage more proactively on the international stage, which complements India’s foreign policy approach. With Modi’s visit, both nations are set to explore the depths of their historical ties to define new pathways for cooperation.
The Indian government recognizes the importance of the Indian diaspora’s role, as Modi noted, stating, “Every part of India – North, South, East, West – is represented at this event.” This embrace of multiculturalism is pivotal, as it resonates within the framework of India’s identity abroad, enhancing goodwill and partnership.
With Modi’s historic visit concluding, both India and Kuwait stand at the precipice of potentially transformative relations, ushering immense possibilities for strategic engagements. The overarching ambition is to not just maintain but to significantly expand the horizons of this long-standing partnership for the future.
