Prime Minister receives Foreign Minister of Kuwait H.E. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya

“Glad to receive Foreign Minister of Kuwait H.E. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. I thank the Kuwaiti leadership for the welfare of the Indian nationals. India is committed to advance our deep-rooted and historical ties for the benefit of our people and the region.”

New Delhi : Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya described India as a “very important partner” and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership during his official visit to New Delhi. Speaking at a delegation-level meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, Al-Yahya expressed admiration for the Indian Prime Minister, calling him one of the wisest leaders in the world.

“I would like to thank you for the invitation and the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Modi, whom we regard as one of the wisest global leaders. We are confident that his leadership has elevated India to new heights, and we believe he will continue to guide the country to even greater success. India is a key partner, and we value our relationship deeply,” he said during his opening remarks.

Arriving in India on Tuesday night for an official visit, Al-Yahya’s agenda focused on strengthening the historically robust ties between the two nations. Earlier in the day, he paid a courtesy visit to PM Modi at the Lok Kalyan Marg residence before engaging in talks with EAM Jaishankar at Hyderabad House.

Following their meeting, PM Modi expressed gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership on social media platform X, stating, “Glad to receive Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. I thank the Kuwaiti leadership for ensuring the welfare of Indian nationals. India remains committed to advancing our historical ties for the benefit of our people and the region.”

India and Kuwait share a deep-rooted bilateral relationship marked by centuries of trade and cultural exchange. This partnership predates Kuwait’s independence in 1961 when the Indian Rupee served as the Gulf nation’s legal tender. Over the decades, this bond has evolved into a multifaceted engagement encompassing trade, energy, culture, and people-to-people connections.

“Kuwait values its relationship with India. I believe the Joint Committee between our nations will address several mutual concerns and help outline a roadmap for swift progress in our partnership,” said Al-Yahya.

Before the discovery of oil, Kuwait’s economy flourished through maritime activities such as shipbuilding, pearl diving, and trading goods like dates and Arabian horses with India. In return, India supplied wood, spices, and textiles. This legacy was celebrated during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2021-22.

Today, the Indian community in Kuwait, numbering approximately one million, forms the largest expatriate group in the country. Indians contribute significantly across sectors, including medicine, engineering, IT, and business. Indian retailers and professionals have cemented their role in Kuwait’s economy, with renowned brands like Lulu Hypermarket and Centre Point becoming household names.

Cultural ties also thrive, with over 200 Indian associations registered with the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. These groups organize events and programs that promote cultural exchange and community welfare, strengthening the bond between the two nations.

As Al-Yahya’s visit concludes, it underscores the mutual respect and shared vision for a prosperous and cooperative future between India and Kuwait.