Significance of the Visit
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait, set for December 21-22, is the first by an Indian PM in 43 years, filling a gap in India's Gulf relations.
The visit is important for strengthening bilateral ties, particularly after Modi's visits to other Gulf nations over the past decade.
The aim is to revitalize stagnating ties and open up new opportunities for cooperation between the two nations.
Kuwait’s Strategic Importance
Kuwait, despite its small size, holds significant strategic value due to its location in the Persian Gulf, bordering Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
It is a key member of OPEC with vast oil reserves and has a major sovereign wealth fund, estimated at $924 billion.
Kuwait maintains a neutral regional stance and has often acted as a mediator in conflicts, enhancing its global diplomatic role.
Bilateral Relations and Existing Ties
India and Kuwait share historical and cultural ties, with India being one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Kuwait in 1961.
India is a key trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $10.47 billion in FY 2023-24, and Kuwait is a major supplier of crude oil to India.
Strong people-to-people links exist, with a large Indian expatriate community and cultural exchanges, such as the "Festival of India" in 2023.
Opportunities to Strengthen Ties
Modi’s visit offers a chance to sign agreements, including a comprehensive strategic partnership and defense cooperation.
India is expected to help Kuwait with its Vision 2035, including infrastructure development and educational institutions, and strengthen ties in space programs.
Other areas for cooperation include expanding air travel, joint investment initiatives, and increasing collaboration in disaster resilience and renewable energy.
Kuwait
Kuwait is a country in West Asia and the geopolitical region known as the Middle East.
It is situated in the northern edge of the Arabian Peninsula at the tip of the Persian Gulf, bordering Iraq to the north and Saudi Arabia to the south.
Kuwait also shares a maritime border with Iran, across the Persian Gulf.
Kuwait City is the capital and largest city
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