India, with her green fields and fertile land. Kuwait, with gallons of oil stored under its promising ground. When these two countries bonded, they formed an alliance which made them both rich and diverse, lending a helping hand whenever the other was in need of anything. They have always enjoyed their warm relationship. But there is a long and great story behind these two friends.
Recently, many artifacts and jewellery found from Failaka Island, Kuwait, have only pointed out that the India-Kuwait tie had thrived even in the past. Before the founding of oil in the depths of Kuwait’s land, the trade between the two countries had been on dates and horses. However, the horse trade was stopped after the World War II, replaced instead by trading of pearls and teakwood in return of clothes and spices.
The countries had helped each other in lots of ways. Kuwait helped India by sending medical oxygen and relief materials when the country was frantically trying to reduce the number of cases. In return, India helped Kuwait by sending a medical team of 15 doctors and health care professionals to help fight the global pandemic.
Kuwait also houses a very large number of Indians. As of 2020, there are around 989,000 Indians in Kuwait. The Kuwaitis see India as a great source of highly qualified scientific and technical personnel and, as a result, a huge part of the Indian community in Kuwait consist of doctors, nurses, engineers, lawyers, accountants, scientists and software experts. There are 18 Indian schools, Indian Community School Kuwait, Indian Public School, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavans, Carmel School etc. affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Earlier, there were 164 Indian community associations registered with the Indian Embassy of Kuwait, but, due to a re-registration requirement only 106 of these associations have once again registered with the number growing at a fast pace.
From a few exchanged dates to huge cylinders of medical oxygens needed by the suffering people, Kuwait and India has, are and will be allies forever. The most needed things in life always come from a friend. So, let us be grateful to Kuwait and consider it as our second country for housing us and helping our fellow citizens back home. Watanil Kuwait!