India and Kuwait have elevated their relationship to a “strategic partnership” as part of efforts to boost trade, combat terrorism, and strengthen cooperation in key areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kuwait for a two-day trip, where he held talks with Sheikh Ahmad Al-Sabah and met Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah.
The two leaders discussed ways to expand bilateral trade, particularly in the energy sector, and explored opportunities in technology, tourism, healthcare, and logistics. India and Kuwait also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence that will institutionalise cooperation in areas such as training, joint exercises, and research and development.
Kuwait joined the International Solar Alliance, backed by India, and both countries agreed to expand bilateral energy trade. The decision to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership was seen as a significant boost to ties between the two nations.
Terrorism was also high on the agenda, with both sides condemning all forms of terrorism in its various manifestations. They called for disrupting terror financing networks, dismantling terror infrastructure, and dismantling safe havens.
As part of the new partnership, India and Kuwait will focus on growing bilateral trade, exploring new opportunities in technology and investments, and strengthening people-to-people ties. The partnership aims to transform the existing buyer-seller relationship into a comprehensive one.
The visit marked the first meeting between Modi and Sheikh Al-Sabah, who conferred India’s highest honour, the Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer, on the Prime Minister.
Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/india-kuwait-elevate-ties-to-strategic-level-ink-defence-pact-slam-terrorism