External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Kuwait on August 18, 2024. This visit comes on the heels of India hosting the third Voice of Global South Summit and signifies the deepening ties between India and Kuwait. During his time in Kuwait, the minister will meet with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and is expected to engage with the country’s leadership to discuss the wide-ranging bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation
India and Kuwait have long enjoyed a robust relationship, with strong economic and cultural ties. The primary focus of Jaishankar’s visit will be to review and enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, and security. The discussions are expected to emphasize the growth in bilateral trade, which reached a notable high in the last fiscal year. Both nations are keen on exploring new avenues for economic partnership, particularly in the fields of technology and infrastructure development.
Strategic and Security Collaboration
While economic ties remain a cornerstone of the relationship, defence and security cooperation between India and Kuwait are also gaining importance. Indian naval visits to Kuwait, such as the recent visit of INS Visakhapatnam, reflect the growing strategic engagement between the two countries. His visit is likely to include discussions on expanding this cooperation, particularly in the areas of maritime security and counterterrorism, which are of mutual concern.
Cultural Exchange and Expatriate Welfare
Cultural and consular relations form another crucial aspect of India-Kuwait ties. The large Indian expatriate community in Kuwait, which contributes significantly to the Kuwaiti economy, will be a key focus during the discussions. Ensuring the welfare of this community and addressing any consular issues will be an important part of the agenda. Additionally, the visit provides an opportunity to further cultural exchanges that strengthen the bonds between the peoples of both nations.
The implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2022, which outlines the legal rights and obligations of Indian workers in Kuwait, will likely be a topic of discussion. Ensuring adherence to this MoU is essential for maintaining the positive momentum in bilateral relations, particularly in the context of labor rights and the welfare of Indian workers.
Regional and Global Perspectives
Kuwait’s neutral stance on regional issues and its active role in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) make it a valuable partner for India in navigating the complexities of the Middle East. His visit comes at a time when regional stability is of paramount importance, particularly with ongoing tensions in Gaza. The two sides are expected to exchange views on these developments and explore avenues for cooperation in promoting peace and stability in the region.