India and Kuwait share centuries-old bonds of goodwill and friendship, EAM Dr S Jaishankar said
External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to Kuwait on Sunday called on Gulf nation’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.

Writing about his meeting with Kuwait’s Crown Prince on social media X, EAM Dr S Jaishankar said, “Honoured to call on His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait.

 Conveyed the greetings of President and Prime Minister. India and Kuwait share centuries-old bonds of goodwill and friendship. Our contemporary partnership is expanding steadily. Thank him for his guidance and insights on taking our ties to a higher level.”

Later in the day, he also called on Kuwait Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Maintaining about this meeting, EAM Dr Jaishankar wrote on X: Pleased to call on His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait. Conveyed the greetings of PM Narendra Modi. Appreciated his perspectives on the deepening of India-Kuwait ties. Valued his views in regard to further economic cooperation.”

EAM Dr Jaishankar’s visit will enable both sides to review various aspects of our bilateral relations including political, trade, investment, energy, security, cultural, consular and people-to-people contacts as well as exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, the MEA said.

India-Kuwait bilateral trade is becoming stronger with the passage of time.

During 2023-24, India’s bilateral trade with Kuwait was US $ 10.47 billion.

Indian exports have increased from US$ 1.56 billion in 2022-23 to US$ 2.1 billion in 2023-24 with YoY growth of 34.7% with top five export items being aircraft parts, cereals, organic chemicals, vehicles, and electric machinery.

During FY 2023-24, Kuwait was the 9th largest oil supplier with about 3.0 % of India’s total energy needs.

 Indian PSUs viz. TCIL, New India Assurance, LIC, Oriental Insurance have offices in Kuwait, in association with local sponsors, as per prevailing regulations.

Indian private sector companies such as Air India, L&T, Shapoorji Pallonji, Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd, TERI, WIPRO, Tata and Ashok Leyland are also present in Kuwait with local tie-ups.

In Kuwait, the Indian community with a strength of approx. 1 million is the largest expatriate community and is regarded as the community of first preference among the expatriate communities.

Professionals like engineers, doctors, chartered accountants, scientists, software experts, management consultants, architects; technicians and nurses; retail traders and businessmen are present in Kuwait, though a large proportion consists of unskilled and semi-skilled workers.

The Indian business community in Kuwait has carved a niche in the Kuwaiti market in retail as well as distributorship.

Many of the business houses have been present in Kuwait for two-three generations.

Presence of NRI owned retail outlets such as Lulu Hypermarket, as well as large NRI owned distributor companies have contributed to a growing range of Indian products in Kuwait.