The relations between Kuwait and India goes back for many centuries and Kuwait has a long standing history of good, cordial and friendly relations with India. India and Kuwait had a very good trade relationship in the past. Before the discovery of oil in Kuwait, Kuwaiti sailors used to sail annually from Shatt-al-Arab to the western port of India, carrying dates and horses. The horse trade was ended after the World War-II in 1945. Then Kuwaitis started trading in pearls with India in Mumbai local markets where Indians started knowing about pearls and in exchange Kuwaitis took teakwood for ship building. The Indian Rupees was used in Kuwait before the introduction of Kuwaiti dinar in 1961.

Kuwaitis view Indians as a brilliant and the least problematic community which works for the overall development of Kuwait. Indian presence in white collar jobs of Kuwait has increased significantly over the years. However, Indians cannot buy a home in Kuwait, they have to live in rented houses. They can't bring relatives to live for more than a month.

India is also one of the biggest importer of oil from Kuwait however the trade is heavily shifted in favor of Kuwait. India and Kuwait have signed several agreements relating to scientific and technological cooperation including medical cooperation and in the areas of culture and education. Kuwait and its people are proud of their cultural heritage, determined to continue their social progress, and are confident about their future.

Safa Fhyrose, VI-A, ICSK Khaitan