NEW DELHI: Kuwait underscored the importance of deepening Arab-Indian relations, describing enhanced cooperation as a necessity driven by global challenges. The country pointed to significant opportunities to expand mutual investment and strengthen collaboration in technology, artificial intelligence, and vocational training.
The remarks were delivered by Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the Arab League Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, during the second ministerial meeting of the Arab-India Cooperation Forum in New Delhi. Al-Mutairi led the Kuwaiti delegation and conveyed Kuwait’s greetings to India on the occasion of its 77th Republic Day.
He also thanked the Arab League Secretariat and Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit for their ongoing support of the forum since its establishment. “Holding the second ministerial meeting represents a major step forward in advancing cooperation between both sides across multiple sectors,” Al-Mutairi said. He added that the meeting offers a chance to evaluate progress since the first ministerial meeting in Manama in 2016 and the subsequent technical and political discussions.
Al-Mutairi highlighted the Manama Declaration, which emphasized collaboration in political consultation, regional stability, peacekeeping, counterterrorism, Security Council reform, economic and cultural cooperation, as well as food security, energy, education and technological development. “Our gathering today reaffirms our shared belief in the forum’s ability to move toward more practical projects and institutional follow-up,” he said.
The ambassador expressed Kuwait’s readiness to work with India and Arab countries to translate forum outcomes into actionable programs. “We hope this meeting becomes a platform that reflects the aspirations of our peoples, strengthens partnerships and advances shared interests,” he said. Al-Mutairi added that recent global challenges have highlighted the need for countries to collaborate on supply chain stability, particularly in food security.
Cooperation in tech, AI
Looking at bilateral ties, Al-Mutairi recalled Kuwait and India’s long-standing relationship, which this year marks 65 years of diplomatic relations. He cited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait in December 2024 as a turning point, noting that Kuwait’s Amir His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah awarded Modi the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Order and that the two nations elevated relations to a strategic partnership.
Trade between the two countries surpassed $10 billion in the 2024–2025 fiscal year. Al-Mutairi emphasized opportunities to expand mutual investment, particularly Indian investments in Kuwait, as well as growing cooperation in technology, AI and technical training. He also highlighted India as a key food supplier to Kuwait and the region, while Kuwait plays a major role in meeting India’s energy needs and is keen to develop cooperation in modern energy technologies. The ambassador praised Kuwait’s Indian community, numbering nearly one million in 2025, for its economic and social contributions.
Support for Arab causes
Addressing international issues, Al-Mutairi stressed the importance of coordinated support with friendly nations to tackle urgent challenges in the Arab world and globally. He reaffirmed Kuwait’s firm backing for the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the right of Palestinians to establish an independent state on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. He called for halting unilateral measures that undermine the two-state solution and for adhering to agreements reached at the high-level international conference on the Palestinian issue in New York in September 2025. He also reiterated Kuwait’s support for efforts to stabilize the region and achieve a comprehensive political settlement that ends conflicts and restores security.
Modi reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Arab states in areas of mutual interest during a meeting with the Arab League Secretary-General and foreign ministers and heads of Arab delegations. India’s Prime Minister’s Office said Modi praised the deep-rooted people-to-people ties between India and the Arab world, which have long been a source of strength for bilateral relations.
He outlined his vision for future partnerships, emphasizing enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, energy, technology, healthcare and other priority sectors. Modi also reiterated India’s continued support for the Palestinian people and welcomed ongoing peace efforts, including initiatives related to Gaza, while expressing appreciation for the role of the Arab League in promoting regional peace and stability. — KUNA
