Foreign Minister of Kuwait Begins Official India Tour

Kuwait's Foreign Minister, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, arrived in India for an official visit on Tuesday.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) extended a warm welcome to the Kuwaiti minister upon his arrival, stating that this visit would enhance the diverse relationship between India and Kuwait.

Enhancing the diverse ties between India and Kuwait. A cordial reception was extended to FM Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya of Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon his official visit to India, as shared by the MEA on the social media platform X.

As per an official press release by the MEA, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya will remain in India until Wednesday, December 4.

His journey will include important meetings, starting with a visit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the PM's residence on Wednesday. Following this, he will engage in a discussion with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House in the national capital.

As per the press release, Al-Yahya will be returning to Kuwait on Wednesday evening. India and Kuwait have a long-standing and strong bilateral relationship that has persisted over the years. This partnership, rooted in centuries of trade and cultural exchange, existed even before Kuwait gained independence in 1961, during which the Indian Rupee was used as the official currency.

Before oil was discovered, Kuwait's economy thrived on maritime activities including shipbuilding, pearl diving, and trading items such as Arabian horses, dates, and pearls with India in return for wood, spices, and textiles.

The tradition of collaboration was celebrated during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2021-22. With a population of about one million, the Indian community is the largest expatriate group in Kuwait. Indians are well-known for their diverse contributions and hold positions in various fields such as engineering, medicine, IT, and business.

The robust Indian business community in Kuwait, comprising retailers, distributors, and professionals, has played a crucial role in strengthening economic ties.

Significantly, leading Indian brands such as Lulu Hypermarket and Centre Point have become essential components of the Kuwaiti market.

Over 200 Indian associations registered with the Indian Embassy in Kuwait promote cultural and social interactions. These groups regularly organize events to foster cultural exchange and community welfare, thereby enhancing the relationship between the two countries.