A chance to strike gold during the Kuwait visit

Context: In the realm of international diplomacy, the relations between India and
Kuwait exemplify a historically robust and mutually beneficial partnership.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s impending visit to Kuwait on December
21-22, 2024, the first such visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years,
there is significant focus on reinforcing these multifaceted ties. The visit
underlines the strategic partnerships, economic cooperation, and strong
people-to-people ties that have conventionally marked the India-Kuwait
relationship. India-Kuwait relations are characterized by deep historical
roots, robust economic ties, and strong people-to-people connections.

Key points

·       India-Kuwait
relations: India and Kuwait have a relationship tracing back to ancient times when
they traded in spices, pearls, and textiles. Indian merchants regularly visited
the shores of Kuwait and built strong trade and cultural relationships. Post
independence, India and Kuwait had formalized their diplomatic relationship in
1962.

·       Indian
Diaspora: The Indian diaspora is an integral part of Kuwait’s social and economic
fabric. Over a million Indians reside in Kuwait, making them the largest
expatriate community. They work across various sectors, including healthcare, education,
construction, and domestic services. The Indian community in Kuwait actively
participates in and contributes to the cultural and economic activities of
their host country, fostering deeper bilateral ties.

·       Strategic
Implications of PM Modi’s Current Visit to Kuwait: Prime Minister
Narendra Modi will be visiting Kuwait on 21-22 December 2024. It is the first
visit of an Indian Prime Minister after 43 years. It is important for several
reasons-

Ø  Strengthening
Diplomatic Ties - Direct engagement with Kuwait's leadership will
reinforce political relations and pave the way for future strategic
collaborations.

Ø  Economic Boom - Discourse will
likely center around intensifying trade cooperation, but that too on other
sectors except the oil sector, for instance, technology, healthcare, and
education, thereby striking an equal economic balance.

Ø  Diaspora
Engagement - Interaction with the Indian community in Kuwait is an opportunity to
engage with expatriates who play a crucial role in bilateral relations and in
addressing their concerns, hence strengthening people-to-people ties.

Ø  Assurance of
Energy Security - The visit is likely to reiterate Kuwait as an
energy partner of dependability to ensure uninterrupted oil supply which is
essential to sustaining the Indian economy.

Ø  Institutional
Agreements - The visit may lead to new agreements and the activation of joint
commissions and working groups so that cooperation is focused and continues
uninterruptedly in the various sectors.

·       Importance
of Kuwait to India: Energy Security - Kuwait is one of the top
oil suppliers to India. Being an energy-hungry country, India relies heavily on
imports. Thus, a stable relationship with Kuwait is essential for ensuring a
constant supply of oil and LPG, which are essential for maintaining the growth
of the Indian economy.

Geopolitical
Stability - Kuwait's strategic location in the Gulf and its ability to mediate
regional disputes are fundamental for maintaining peace and stability, which
aligns with India's broader interests in the Middle East.

·       Issues
Concerning India-Kuwait Relations: Trade Imbalances -
While the bilateral trade is robust, the trade balance is often skewed due to
the high volume of oil imports. Efforts to diversify trade and boost Indian
exports can address this imbalance.

Political
Dynamics in the Region - The volatile political dynamics of the Middle East
can impact India-Kuwait relations, compelling both nations to navigate their
foreign policies carefully to avoid conflicts and ensure sustained cooperation.

·       Conclusion: The bilateral
ties between India and Kuwait stand on a rich historical background, along with
economic cooperation, cultural engagement, and strategic partnership. Prime
Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kuwait for which both the nations
highly value their bilateral relationship. It will offer the chance to address
the challenges that have already arisen, new areas of cooperation, and mutual
commitments. With both countries in preparation for this high-level engagement,
the visit is going to further cement the foundation for a prosperous and
collaborative future, which will benefit not only the two nations but also
regional and global stability.