Calling India a “very important partner”, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on Wednesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the West Asian nation believes the Indian leader is the wisest person in the world.
“I would like to thank you for the invitation and the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Modi, who we believe is one of the smartest people in the world. I am sure that the Prime Minister will make India better and I am sure he will continue to do so… India is a very important partner and we are confident in our relationship. On Wednesday evening in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. A level meeting with Jayashankar.
Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya arrived in India on Tuesday night for an official visit aimed at further strengthening the multifaceted relationship between the two countries.
In the afternoon, he met PM Modi at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence before holding a meeting with EAM Jaishankar at Hyderabad House.
“Kuwait is pleased to welcome Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. I thank the Kuwaiti leadership for the welfare of Indian nationals. India is committed to continue our deep-rooted and historic ties for the benefit of our people and the region,” PM Modi posted at X after the meeting.
India and Kuwait share a historically strong bilateral relationship that has stood the test of time. A partnership rooted in centuries of trade and cultural exchange, before Kuwait’s independence in 1961, the Indian rupee served as its legal tender.
“I think the joint committee will solve many problems between Kuwait and India. I think we can draw a road map between Kuwait and India and move forward as fast as we can,” Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya said.
Kuwait’s economy, before the discovery of oil, thrived on maritime activities, including shipbuilding, pearl diving, and trade with India in goods such as Arabian horses, dates, and pearls in exchange for wood, spices, and textiles.
The legacy of this cooperation was commemorated during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2021-22.
The Indian community, estimated to be one million strong, forms the largest expatriate group in Kuwait. Known for their diverse contributions, Indians hold roles across fields ranging from engineering, medicine and IT to business and trade.
Kuwait’s strong Indian business community, comprising retailers, distributors and professionals, has played a key role in strengthening economic ties.
Leading Indian brands such as Lulu Hypermarket and Center Point have become integral to the Kuwaiti market.
Cultural and social activities are also flourishing through more than 200 Indian associations registered with the Embassy of India in Kuwait. These groups actively organize programs to promote cultural exchange and community welfare, further strengthening people-to-people contact between countries.
