India and Kuwait Elevate Ties to 'Strategic Partnership', Focus on Defence, Trade, IT, FinTech, Pharma, and Infrastructure: PM Modi

During their bilateral meeting on Sunday (22 December), Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait elevated their relationship to a "strategic partnership," with a focus on trade and defence cooperation. This new designation follows Kuwait's honour of presenting Modi with its highest award, 'The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer,' in recognition of his role in strengthening ties between the two countries.

Modi’s visit to Kuwait, his first as Prime Minister, marks the first Indian PM visit to the country in 43 years since Indira Gandhi’s trip in 1981. Accompanying Modi were External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Apart from his meeting with the Amir, Modi also engaged with Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, who hosted a banquet in his honour and had high-level talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The two countries formalized their defence cooperation through a comprehensive agreement covering training, personnel exchanges, joint exercises, defence equipment supply, and research and development. Additionally, three Memoranda of Understanding were signed to enhance collaboration in 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,” Modi posted on X.