“Peace between countries must rest on the solid foundation of love between individuals.” -Mahatma Gandhi
India and Kuwait have established fruitful cooperation and share a historically deep-rooted relation that dates back to many years of harmonious, political, economic, commercial ties. These are based on history and have stood the test of time. Mutual love and peace are the main components that bind these two countries in a strong bond.
Previous to the discovery of oil in 1938, the fleet of stately Kuwaiti dhows would sail south to India with cargos of dates & pearls, returning many months later filled with precious Indian teak, rice, tea, spices.
Discovery in the late 1930s of oil in Kuwait, embarked on a new and independent transformation. INDIA-KUWAIT ties have broadened with India importing oil and chemicals, LNG being the most important trade relationship. Kuwait soon attracted Indian workers and today it’s home to 1.5million Indian expatriates. India’s export to Kuwait and the commodity exported have increased and varied.
The Government of India extended diplomatic recognition to the State of Kuwait, in the year 1963-64. The first Indian Ambassador to Kuwait was Shri I.S Chopra.
Both countries show firm political trust and have rendered support and understanding on issues concerning our respective core. Kuwait became one of the first countries to lend moral support to India during the Chinese aggression of 1962.
Kuwait has a relatively open petroleum-based economy with heavy dependence on foreign manpower. It views India as a fast-growing and highly based skilled, qualified, professional, and technical personnel available in the Indian region.
The Indo Kuwait economic trade relations are based on a sound foundation of mutual good will and friendship. India has consistently been among the top-ten trading partners of Kuwait. The Indian community is the first preference among expatriates for employment. They are viewed as law-abiding, peace loving and culturally sensitive to the requirements of the host country. It is also viewed as a source of highly qualified professional and technical personnel. In the field of health, India not only supplies top specialists but also para-medical staff, who are highly regarded and enjoy a great reputation in Kuwait. In recent times, India reached out to Kuwait and dispatched a team of doctors for two weeks to supplement the efforts of the Kuwait government in the fight against COVID.
Propagating the ancient Sanskrit dictum Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning "the world is one family” and #VaccineMaitri#, India decided to render possible help to countries and valuing its friendship with Kuwait, it sent across vaccines “Made in India".
23 Indian schools in Kuwait are providing education to nearly 55,000 Indian and foreign students. Indian public sector companies in the aviation, insurance, and telecommunication sector have been operating in Kuwait for ages.
The long history of trade exchange& bilateral relations between both countries stands as a distinguished model of fruitful cooperation. On the occasion of Kuwait’s National & Liberation day, my wishes from the deepest of my heart and thru prayers may this relation always flourish and prosper.
Jai Bharat!! Tahya Alkuayt!! (Long live Kuwait)
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Gianne Sophia Dsouza, Class: V-D, Carmel School |