India and Kuwait elevate ties to strategic partnership

India and Kuwait have upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership, focusing on defence, energy, trade, investment, and technology. 

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Kuwait in 43 years, an MoU on defence was signed to enhance cooperation in training, joint exercises, and equipment supply.

The two countries share strong energy ties, with bilateral trade reaching $10.47 billion in 2023-24. Kuwait is India’s sixth-largest crude supplier and fourth-largest LPG supplier.

Agreements also included cultural exchanges, sports cooperation, and Kuwait’s participation in the International Solar Alliance. The leaders discussed increasing economic collaboration, with Modi inviting Kuwaiti investment in sectors like energy, pharmaceuticals, and food parks.

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in energy, counter-terrorism, and intelligence sharing, and to support Kuwait’s Vision 2035.