Jaishankar holds high-level meetings in Kuwait
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid an official visit to Kuwait, where he held high-level meetings with the country's top leadership to review the India-Kuwait Strategic Partnership and discuss key regional and global developments, the Ministry of External Affairs stated on Thursday.
During the visit, Jaishankar called on Kuwait's Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
Separate meetings with defence and foreign ministers
The External Affairs Minister also held separate meetings with Defence Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
According to an MEA official, the discussions focused on reviewing the progress of the India-Kuwait Strategic Partnership and exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Interaction with Indian community
Jaishankar also interacted with members of the Indian community in Kuwait and commended their continued contribution to strengthening the multifaceted relationship between the two countries, the statement added.
Historical and recent bilateral ties
India and Kuwait share longstanding ties rooted in centuries of maritime trade and people-to-people exchanges. India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Kuwait after its independence in 1961, and the two nations celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2021-22.
Bilateral relations received a major boost when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kuwait in December 2024, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in over four decades. During the visit, both countries elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership and signed agreements in areas including defence, culture and sports.
Economic ties and trade figures
Economic ties remain robust, with bilateral trade touching USD 10.22 billion in 2024-25. Kuwait is India's sixth-largest supplier of crude oil and fifth-largest source of LPG, while nearly one million Indians living in Kuwait constitute the country's largest expatriate community and continue to play a key role in strengthening bilateral relations.
The two countries have also institutionalised cooperation through mechanisms such as the Joint Commission for Cooperation and several Joint Working Groups covering trade, hydrocarbons, health, education, security and counter-terrorism, reflecting the expanding scope of the partnership.
