External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar's visit was pivotal in revitalizing bilateral relations and setting the stage for future exchanges and concrete initiatives.
India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar with Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah
External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar undertook an official visit to the State of Kuwait on 18 August 2024. Ahead of his discussions with Kuwaiti leaders, Dr. Jaishankar expressed his anticipation in the media, stating, “I am very much looking forward to engaging with the Kuwaiti leadership during this visit. Our relationship is long-standing and comfortable in many ways, and it holds great potential. We have traded for centuries, and the presence of the Indian community in Kuwait has fostered an intuitive mutual appreciation that strengthens our diplomacy.”
During his visit, EAM Dr. Jaishankar met with the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and the Prime Minister Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He extended his gratitude to the Kuwaiti leadership for their guidance in fortifying bilateral relations. Emphasizing the deep-rooted ties of goodwill and friendship between India and Kuwait, Dr. Jaishankar conveyed the warm regards of India’s President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting, “Our contemporary partnership is expanding steadily.”
The meeting with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya was a key opportunity to explore ways to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors, including increasing exchanges of visits at different levels. Both sides expressed strong interest in expanding economic partnerships, focusing on trade and investment, and exploring new areas of collaboration, particularly in pharmaceuticals, technology, and education. Streamlining labor and manpower issues and their implementation were also discussed. The Ministers shared perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual concern.
Dr. Jaishankar highlighted critical aspects of the relationship, noting the presence of a million Indians in Kuwait who contribute $1 billion in remittances. He pointed out that Kuwait is India's sixth-largest energy partner and that the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) has made significant investments in India. “There is growing interest in foreign direct investment. Bilateral trade has consistently been in the $10-15 billion range. Many Indian companies are engaged in infrastructure projects and provide services across various domains. Politically, we have a long history of understanding each other's interests. Overall, our relationship is robust and poised for an upgrade,” he stated in media releases.
Encouraging Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in India, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the vast potential for investment, citing rapid infrastructure development in highways, railways, airports, and power grids. He noted, “India is projected to become the third-largest global economy by the end of this decade, with a growth rate of 7-8 percent expected to continue for years. The number of educational and skill development institutions has doubled since 2014, and there has been a notable surge in innovation and startups, particularly in fintech and digital payments. We are emerging as one of the largest destinations for international investment flows and would welcome increased Kuwaiti investment.”
EAM also met with prominent members of the Indian community in Kuwait and representatives from various professional and community associations. He emphasized the role of the vibrant Indian diaspora as a crucial link between India and Kuwait, stating, “As India seeks to elevate its bilateral partnership with Kuwait, the importance of the diaspora will continue to grow.”
The visit was pivotal in revitalizing bilateral relations and setting the stage for future exchanges and concrete initiatives.
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