India and Kuwait have had a relationship that has spanned millennia. From its more senior relationship of primarily trading goods such as dates and spices to its modern development of oil exportation, India has shared a long and deep-rooted relationship with Kuwait that has truly withstood the test of time.

Besides the two countries being a part of the Asian continent, Kuwait and various parts of India share similar climatic conditions and geographical features. Historically, the two countries have had extremely friendly ties, with India being one of the first countries to recognize Kuwait's independence back in 1961 to, Kuwait’s reciprocal of good faith when lending moral support to India during the Chinese aggression of 1962.

Their trade in much earlier days was limited to the exporting luxuries sought after by the Maharaj in India back in the 1600’s, the most prominent of them being the Pearl trade. Bombay became a hub for pearl traders in the middle east due to its booming economy. One of the most noted traders of the time being Muhammad Salem al-Sudairawi, a Kuwaiti pearl trader and banker who quickly became one of the wealthiest Arabs in Bombay.

Trade relations between India and Kuwait were so strong that from 1830 Kuwait had adopted the use of the Indian rupee as its national currency along with other countries in the Gulf.

India currently is the second largest importer of Kuwaiti goods only after the United Arab Emirates with its total trade value with Kuwait being valued at around 12.2 billion US Dollars as per the fiscal year of 2022-2023.

Despite its size, Kuwait is a land of plenty, with high quality of life, affordable cost of living and an ingrained respect to foreign cultures and cultural activities. In light of this, it is no wonder that Indians today make up the largest expatriate group in Kuwait population, with nearly 22% of its population being of Indian origin!

If the past gives us any indication of the future, India’s relations with Kuwait are sure to only grow more fonder as our two great nations continue to coexist in a state of prosperity and harmony.

Michelle Maria Andrade, XI-B, Carmel School