India’s Renewed Strategic Partnership with Kuwait

Source: The post India’s Renewed Strategic Partnership with Kuwait has been created, based on the article “Express view on PM’s Kuwait visit: Delhi must deliver on West Asia promise” published in “Indian Express” on 24th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article highlights India’s renewed diplomatic and strategic ties with Kuwait. It discusses past neglect, reasons for strained relations, recent agreements on defence and trade, Kuwait’s investment in India, and the need to deepen partnerships with Gulf countries.

For detailed information on Significance of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait read this article here

Why Was India’s Relationship with Kuwait Neglected?

1. India did not engage closely with Kuwait after Saddam Hussein’s invasion in 1990, due to India’s geopolitical alignments and sympathies at the time.
2. This caused a strain in relations as Kuwait felt India was ambivalent about the violation of its sovereignty.

How Did Kuwait Rebuild Relations with India?

1. Despite past differences, Kuwait reopened its economy to Indian workers across sectors.
2. Indians became the largest expatriate group in Kuwait.
3. Kuwait has become a key source of foreign investment, with 89% of total FDI from GCC countries received in the last decade.
4. Kuwait facilitated diaspora interactions and respected India’s cultural sensitivities, strengthening ties further.

What is the Broader Context of India’s Gulf Relations?

1. India strengthened ties with moderate Arab states, supported by PM Modi’s visits.
2. India played a role in the Abraham Accords and has stakes in Gulf stability.
3. The current Israel-Palestine conflict and Gulf instability make these ties crucial.

What Steps Should India Take?

1. Operationalise defence and security agreements with Kuwait.
2. Create a business-friendly environment to attract Gulf investments, especially Sovereign Funds.
3. Recognise Kuwait’s support for the Indian diaspora and respect for cultural sensitivities.

Question for practice:

Examine the factors that led to the neglect of India’s relationship with Kuwait and the steps taken to rebuild and strengthen these ties.