New Delhi [India]: Kuwait Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya has arrived in India for an official visit, marking a significant step in bolstering the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed the minister warmly, highlighting the importance of his visit. “Further strengthening India-Kuwait multifaceted relations. Warm welcome to FM Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya MoFA Kuwait as he arrives in India on an official visit,” the MEA wrote on the social media platform X.
Further strengthening 🇮🇳-🇰🇼 multifaceted relations.
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 3, 2024
Warm welcome to FM Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya @MoFAKuwait as he arrives in India on an official visit. pic.twitter.com/gWgi51QFKe
According to an official MEA press release, Al-Yahya’s visit will continue until Wednesday, December 4. His itinerary includes high-profile engagements, beginning with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the PM’s residence on Wednesday. Following that, he will hold discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The Kuwaiti minister is scheduled to return to Kuwait on Wednesday night.
India and Kuwait share a deep and historical bond that has endured for centuries. The relationship, rooted in trade and cultural exchanges, predates Kuwait’s independence in 1961, when the Indian Rupee was its legal tender. Before the discovery of oil, Kuwait’s economy relied heavily on maritime activities such as shipbuilding, pearl diving, and trade. Goods like Arabian horses, pearls, and dates were exchanged with India for wood, spices, and textiles.
This rich legacy of cooperation was celebrated during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 2021-22.
Today, Kuwait is home to a vibrant Indian expatriate community of around one million people, the largest in the country. Indians contribute significantly across sectors like engineering, medicine, IT, business, and trade. The robust Indian business presence, including major brands like Lulu Hypermarket and Centre Point, has further strengthened economic ties.
Cultural and social exchanges between the nations are thriving as well. Over 200 Indian associations registered with the Indian Embassy in Kuwait actively promote cultural programs and community welfare initiatives, enhancing the people-to-people connection.