India And Kuwait Are 'Strategic Partners' Now, Focus On Defence And Trade; PM Modi Discusses IT, FinTech, Pharma And Infra

During their initial bilateral meeting on Sunday (22 December), Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait took their relationship to a new level by designating it as a "strategic partnership".

The two nations indicated that their alliance would be primarily built on the twin pillars of trade and defence cooperation. This comes after Kuwait bestowed its most prestigious accolade — 'The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer' — upon Modi, recognsing his significant contribution to fortifying the ties between the two nations.

On Saturday, Modi made his way to Kuwait for a two-day trip, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. The previous Indian PM to travel to Kuwait was Indira Gandhi back in 1981. Accompanying Modi on this trip were External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

In addition to meeting with the Amir, Modi also had engagements with Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, who threw a banquet in his honor. Furthermore, he conducted high-level discussions with the Prime Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

Defence cooperation was formalised between the two parties through a comprehensive agreement. This agreement encompasses various aspects such as training, personnel and expert exchange, joint exercises, provision of defence equipment, and partnership in research and development, among other things.

In addition to defense, three additional Memoranda of Understanding were signed to promote collaboration in the fields of sports, culture, and solar energy.

"We discussed cooperation in key sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT, FinTech, Infrastructure and security. In line with the close ties between our nations, we have elevated our partnership to a strategic one," PM Modi posted on X.