India, Kuwait sign key agreement on defence cooperation

By Aroonim Bhuyan

New Delhi, December 22. In what can be seen as a new chapter in New Delhi’s strategic cooperation with the countries in the Gulf region, India and Kuwait signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation on Sunday even as the two sides elevated the bilateral relationship to that of a ‘Strategic Partnership’.

The MoU on defence cooperation was among four agreements that were signed following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah. Modi’s visit to Kuwait is the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. Then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had visited the Gulf state way back in 1981.

“I would like to reiterate that we are pretty confident that this historic visit of the Prime Minister will open up a new chapter in the relationship between India and Kuwait,” Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA) in the Ministry of External Affairs said during a media briefing in Kuwait City at the end of Modi’s visit. “Both the sides have been able to identify several important areas of cooperation and the governments will be working towards fulfillment of the plans during this visit.”

Speaking specifically on the defence cooperation agreement, Chatterjee said that it will institutionalise bilateral cooperation in this area.

“Key areas of cooperation include training, exchange of personnel and experts, joint exercises, cooperation in defence industry, supply of defence equipment, and collaboration in research and development, among others,” he stated.

India’s defence cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – has gained strategic importance in recent years. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, the GCC region plays a pivotal role in global trade, energy security, and geopolitical stability.

For India, strengthening defence ties with these nations aligns with its broader strategic interests, including ensuring energy security, securing trade routes, countering terrorism, and enhancing its role as a regional power.

Apart from the MoU on defence cooperation, three other agreements were signed following the bilateral talks between Modi and Al-Sabah. These included a Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Kuwait for the years 2025-2029, Executive Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Sports for the period 2025-2028 and Kuwait’s membership of the India-initiated International Solar Alliance (ISA).

The Cultural Exchange Programme agreement is aimed at facilitating greater cultural exchanges in art, music, dance, literature and theatre, cooperation in preservation of cultural heritage, research and development in the area of culture and organizing of festivals. The Executive Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Sports will strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of sports between India and Kuwait by promoting exchange of visits of sports leaders for experience sharing, participation in programmes and projects in the field of sports, exchange of expertise in sports medicine, sports management, sports media and sports science among others. The India-initiated International Solar Alliance collectively covers the deployment of solar energy and addresses key common challenges to the scaling up of use of solar energy to help member countries develop low-carbon growth trajectories.

Earlier on Sunday, Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah conferred on Modi the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, the highest national award of the Gulf nation.

“I am honoured to be conferred the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Order by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah,” Modi posted on his X handle. “I dedicate this honour to the people of India and to the strong friendship between India and Kuwait.”

Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Bayan Palace before his meeting with the Amir of Kuwait. During their meeting, the two leaders recalled the strong historical and friendly ties between the two countries and re-affirmed their full commitment to further expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation.

“In this context, they agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a ‘Strategic Partnership’,” the Ministry of Affairs stated in a press release.

Modi also thanked the Amir for ensuring the well-being of the over one million strong Indian community in Kuwait. The Amir expressed appreciation for the contribution of the large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait’s development.

“Prime Minister appreciated the new initiatives being undertaken by Kuwait to fulfill its Vision 2035 and congratulated His Highness the Amir for successful holding of the GCC Summit earlier this month,” the Ministry release further states.

On Saturday, soon after his arrival on a two-day visit to Kuwait, Modi visited a camp of Indian blue collar workers and addressed the Indian diaspora in a special event titled ‘HalaModi’. He also attended the opening ceremony of the 26^th Arabian Gulf Cup football tournament as the guest of honour at the invitation of the Amir on Saturday evening ahead of his official engagements on Sunday.