The Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Adarsh Swaika, in a press meet, highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Kuwait, describing it as a "defining moment" in the history of India-Kuwait relations. This visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over four decades, reinforced the long-standing bond between the two nations and paved the way for substantial progress in key areas of cooperation.
One of the pivotal topics discussed during the visit was collaboration in education and healthcare. Dr. Swaika expressed optimism about the establishment of Indian university campuses in Kuwait and the accreditation of Indian universities on the National Bureau for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance (NBAQ) list. Additionally, there are plans for Kuwaiti diplomats to receive training at the Indian Foreign Service Academy, now part of the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.
The ambassador also stressed India’s interest in contributing to Kuwait’s healthcare system by introducing Indian pharmaceutical factories and hospitals to the region. These initiatives aim to bolster Kuwait’s healthcare infrastructure and create new avenues for cooperation.
Dr. Swaika noted ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). With Kuwait holding the presidency of the GCC, expectations are high for accelerated progress in India-GCC relations. The ambassador highlighted the establishment of a joint commission for cooperation, elevated to the foreign ministers' level, as a significant step in institutionalizing bilateral dialogue.
"The introduction of seven new joint working groups covering vital sectors such as food security, investment, defense, education, culture and technology demonstrates our shared commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and seizing mutual opportunities", Dr. Swaika said.
Despite a trade volume ranging from $10 billion to $17 billion over the past decade, the ambassador pointed out that the absence of formal frameworks for commerce and investment discussions had limited the scope for growth. The recent agreements aim to rectify this by ensuring regular and structured communication between the respective commerce ministries and investment authorities.
Looking ahead, the Indian embassy in Kuwait plans to host a series of events in April to mark the 250th anniversary of historical relations between the two nations. The celebrations will feature exhibitions of Indian antiques, manuscripts, stamps and paper currencies, highlighting the rich cultural and historical ties between India and Kuwait.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit has set the stage for an era of robust collaboration across multiple sectors. With the establishment of institutional frameworks and renewed commitments to cooperation, India and Kuwait are poised to strengthen their partnership and address global and regional challenges together. The ambassador’s remarks underscored a forward-looking agenda that emphasizes mutual growth and prosperity.
As diplomatic and economic initiatives continue to unfold, the visit is seen as a cornerstone for enhancing bilateral relations, reaffirming the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.