New Delhi, Aug 26 (UNI) India and Kuwait held the 7th round of Foreign Office Consultations here today, during which both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The talks were co-chaired by Aseem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), Ministry of External Affairs, and Ambassador Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asia Affairs (AFM), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kuwait.
Ambassador Sameeh also called on Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA), a statement said.
Both sides discussed the various ongoing initiatives and avenues to further deepen our strategic partnership in various spheres including political, trade, investment, defence, energy, culture and people to people ties.
They will continue to work closely on implementation of the roadmap drawn out under the guidance of the leadership of both the countries during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kuwait in December 2024.
It was decided to hold the meetings of the Joint Working Groups (JWGs) under the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) on mutually convenient dates, at the earliest. India and Kuwait share close historical multifaceted relations. Bilateral trade between India and Kuwait stands at USD 10.2 billion per annum [FY: 2024-2025].
The presence of over one million strong Indian community in Kuwait is a testament to the strong people-to-people ties.
Both sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Kuwait at a mutually convenient date.
According to a Kuwaiti readout, the talks focused on following up on the outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Kuwait in December 2024, during which he held extensive discussions with the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
In discussions with senior Indian officials, Ambassador Hayat addressed bilateral cooperation in political, economic, trade, investment, cultural, labor, education, scientific research, civil aviation, energy, industry, artificial intelligence, and health sectors.
The consultations highlighted a renewed dialogue and extensive interaction on issues of mutual interest, reflecting satisfaction on both sides with the distinguished historical relations and the elevation of ties to a strategic partnership.
Ambassador Hayat emphasized the importance of continuing high-level visits and workshops to maintain and expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
The discussions also focused on the Indian community in Kuwait, which exceeds one million people, particularly regarding their participation in construction and infrastructure projects.
Ambassador Hayat noted a strong alignment of views between the two countries on regional and international issues, particularly in support of peaceful conflict resolution.
The meetings were attended by Kuwaiti Ambassador to India Mishal Al-Shamali, Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika, and senior diplomatic advisors from both sides, marking a positive atmosphere of cooperation and shared vision for deepening bilateral relations.
