India and Kuwait elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership and signed a significant agreement on defence cooperation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks with Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other senior leaders of Kuwait.

In addition to meeting with the Emir, Modi also held separate discussions with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, with the aim of revitalising overall bilateral ties.

During the meetings, four agreements were signed, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence, with others focusing on cooperation in sports, culture, and solar energy.

The two prime ministers discussed a roadmap to strengthen the strategic partnership across various sectors, including trade, investment, energy, defence, security, health, education, technology, and cultural ties, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The defence MoU aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as defence industries, supply of defence equipment, joint exercises, training, personnel exchanges, and research and development, as explained by Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs) in the MEA, during a media briefing.

In a post on 'X', Modi described his talks with the Kuwaiti counterpart as "fruitful," mentioning that the discussions covered the entire spectrum of India-Kuwait relations, including trade, commerce, and people-to-people ties. He also noted the exchange of key MoUs and agreements, which would strengthen bilateral relations.

Modi also invited a delegation from the Kuwaiti Investment Authority and other stakeholders to visit India to explore new opportunities in sectors like energy, defence, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and food parks.

The Indian Prime Minister’s visit marked the first by an Indian prime minister to Kuwait in 43 years. During their discussions, Modi and the Emir emphasized deepening cooperation in information technology, pharmaceuticals, fintech, infrastructure, and security.

Modi thanked the Emir for ensuring the welfare of over one million Indians in Kuwait, while the Kuwaiti leader acknowledged the contribution of the Indian community to the development of the country.

Chatterjee expressed confidence that this historic visit would mark the beginning of a new chapter in India-Kuwait relations, identifying several areas of cooperation that both sides would work on.