Amiable and warm relations between India and Kuwait are rooted in history and date back several millennia. The discovery of ancient Indian pottery and jewelry from Failaka Island in Kuwait hints at the early commercial and cultural connections.

India’s relations with Kuwait, considered its extended neighborhood, have transformed in the last few decades. Each of them celebrates their age-old civilizational ties with the region and recognizes the relationship as a strategic partnership. But today, political, defense and economic connections are growing apace.

India was among the first countries to recognize the independent State of Kuwait in 1962 and Kuwait has reciprocated its solidarity with India in many political and cross-border issues.

India and Kuwait bonded even before the discovery of oil with the Indian Rupee being the legal tender in Kuwait until 1961 and the Indo–Kuwaiti commerce revolved around the trade in agricultural goods, textiles, pearls, and horses. Today India has grown to be Kuwait's second-largest export market, and fifth-largest source of imports including food items, ceramic products, electrical and engineering equipment, coffee, tea, iron and steel products, jewelry, organic chemicals, textiles, etc. Kuwait reciprocates this partnership as India's third largest trade partner in the Arab world and a reliable supplier of crude oil & LPG serving India’s energy needs.

The bilateral political and economic relations have further deepened through the joint-venture projects in recent years for establishing new facilities in the oil and gas sector in both countries and massive infrastructure development in Kuwait. Several Indian Public Sector insurance and aviation Companies have been long operating in Kuwait while companies like The Alghanim Group are important business companies in India.

Also, India and Kuwait have shown remarkable collaboration on the scientific and technological front including medical cooperation. Kuwait hosts several highly qualified and professional Indian doctors and nurses. The COVID-19 Crisis had the Indo-Kuwait bilateral relationship grow with Indian medics and vaccines sent to Kuwait and liquid medical oxygen sent to India over many cycles of an air and sea bridge to aid the struggle in the respective countries.

To further deepen the engagement at political, economic, cultural, scientific, and people-to-people levels, The Indian Embassy in Kuwait organizes a series of events like seminars and trade exhibitions involving both Indian and Kuwait delegations.

Kuwait has a vibrant Indian Community that makes up one million of its population, forming the largest expatriate community in the country. About 50000 Indian students study in 28 Indian schools in Kuwait. Kuwait’s friendly and welcoming nature and love to share their culture have encouraged the bonding between the two communities. The significant presence of the Indian community in Kuwait over the last 40 years and the role of Indian enterprises in promoting development have strongly influenced bilateral relations.

2021 saw the completion of a historic 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Kuwait. It is a testimony to their interlinked destinies woven by centuries-old historical ties, geographic and cultural closeness, and readiness to embrace diversity. The leadership, government, and people of both nations have strived to keep the age-old bilateral relations alive and on this occasion of National and Liberation Day of Kuwait, the Indian Community wishes to strengthen this friendship and expand this mutually enriching experience in the forthcoming years.

Alby Mariam Thomas, XI-A, Indian Central School