India, Kuwait elevate ties to strategic partnership
Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, was marked by the two sides signing a significant agreement to boost defence cooperation and also elevate relations to a strategic partnership. The defence agreement is in line with efforts by Indian govt in recent times to boost security and defence cooperation with Gulf nations.
“The agreement will institutionalise bilateral cooperation in the area of defence,” said the Indian govt, adding that key areas of cooperation will include joint military exercises, training of defence personnel, coastal defence, maritime safety, joint development and production of defence equipment.
Importantly for India, Kuwait joined India in unequivocally condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and called for disrupting terrorism financing networks and safe havens, and dismantling of terror infrastructure. Expressing appreciation of their ongoing bilateral cooperation in security, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, information and intelligence sharing and, among other things, to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other crimes.
Modi held bilateral talks with Kuwait PM Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, looking to finalise a roadmap to bolster strategic partnership in political, trade, investment, energy, defence and security ties.
India, Kuwait believed to have discussed West Asia situation
During his Kuwait visit, PM Modi also met the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.
Modi’s visit to Kuwait took place in the middle of renewed efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza. Kuwait, which holds the GCC presidency, strongly called for a temporary ceasefire at a recent GCC summit it hosted. While neither side officially said anything on Gaza or the overall West Asia situation, it’s believed there was a discussion on the issue with Indian govt reiterating its support for a ceasefire and also two-state solution.
On Modi’s meeting with the Amir, Indian govt said that the leaders recalled the strong historical and friendly ties between the two countries and re-affirmed their full commitment to further expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation. “In this context, they agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a ‘strategic partnership’,” said an Indian readout. Modi also thanked him for ensuring the well-being of over 1 million-strong Indian community in Kuwait and invited him to visit India.
“The Kuwaiti side as the current Chair of GCC assured full support for deepening of India-GCC cooperation under the recently adopted ‘joint action plan’ in areas, including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, culture, amongst others. Both sides also stressed the importance of early conclusion of India-GCC Free Trade Agreement,” said a joint statement.
Both sides also noted that trade has been an enduring link between the two countries and emphasised on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. “They also emphasised on the need for promoting exchange of business delegations and strengthening institutional linkages,” said the statement, adding Kuwait agreed to explore investment opportunities in India in a range of areas.
