India Kuwait Foreign Relations
Warm and friendly contacts between India and Kuwait go back several centuries and our excellent bilateral relations have been consolidated by the continuous intermingling of our peoples and civilizations. Till the discovery of oil, Kuwait s economy revolved around its fine harbour and three maritime-linked activities, all
of which had an Indian perspective: building ships using teak and other timber brought from India; pearl diving and fishing; and voyages to India on dhows carrying dates that were traded for wood, rope, rice, tiles, cloth and spices. Until 1961, Indian Rupee was the legal tender in Kuwait. The Kuwaiti ruling family too
has had longstanding ties with India. Cultural affinities, historical trade and other linkages, geographic proximity, and a large presence of Indian expatriates in Kuwait, have sustained and nurtured the close relationship, which encompasses significant political, trade and economic interests.
VVIP visits from India to Kuwait: These have been by HE Vice President Dr. Zakir Husain in 1965, HE Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1981, and HE Vice President M Hamid Ansari in 2009. HE Vice President Ansari paid a stand-alone visit to Kuwait from April 6-8, 2009 and met HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince,
and other high dignitaries, and reaffirmed our traditionally close friendship. VVIP visits from Kuwait to India: These include by HH the Crown Prince and PM Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah in 1964, by HH the Amir Sheikh Jaber Al- Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in 1980 and in 1983 (for NAM Summit), and by HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah from June 14-19, 2006. Other high level exchanges since 2008: From India, these include the official visit to Kuwait by MoS for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Corporate Affairs, Government of India, Shri R.P.N. Singh, on 17-19 April 2011 to attend the 4th
Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable Conference on April 18 where he presented a paper on Energy Price Volatility . He met the Kuwaiti Oil Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and discussed bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector; by HE Shri S M Krishna, EAM, on February 25-27, 2011, to
participate in the Celebrations marking the 50th Anniversary of Independence of Kuwait, 20th Anniversary of Liberation and 5th Anniversary of HH the Amir s accession to office, during which he met HH the Amir, HH the Prime Minister, HE the Deputy PM and Foreign Minister, and others; by HE Shri Namo Narain Meena, MoS for Finance, on Dec 14-16, 2010 during which he met the Minister of Commerce & Industry of Kuwait and discussed the strengthening of bilateral economic cooperation, including in the insurance field; by HE Shri S M Krishna, EAM, on February 3-4, 2010, during which he met HH the Amir, HH the Prime
Minister, HE the Deputy PM and Foreign Minister, and others; by HE Shri Sultan Ahmed, MoS for Tourism, from October 8-9, 2009 for a multi-product event with special focus on health tourism ; by HE Shri S M Krishna, EAM, transiting Kuwait on July 12/13, 2009, en route to the 15th NAM Summit; by MoS for External Affairs HE E. Ahamed on May 15, 2008, to convey condolences on the
demise of HH the Father Amir; as also on a bilateral visit from January 29-31,
2008. From Kuwait, they include visit by HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-
Sabah, Minister of Oil & Minister of Information, September 25-28, 2010; HE Mr.
Faisal Al Hajji Bukhadour, Deputy PM and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs,
from February 3-7, 2009; by HE Mustafa Al-Shamali, Minister of Finance, from
July 1-3, 2008; and by Kuwait-India Parliamentary Friendship Group led by
Hon ble Dr. D. Buramaiah, MP, from March 9-12, 2008.
Trade and Economic Cooperation: India has consistently been amongst the top few trading partners of Kuwait. Bilateral trade has been rising steadily in recent years. India-Kuwait two-way trade is about US$ 10.5 billion annually, of which crude oil exports from Kuwait were about US$ 9 billion. Kuwait is an important partner in India s quest for energy security, annually providing 10-11% of India s crude oil imports. Top Indian exports to Kuwait include cereals, iron/steel products, meat, tea/coffee, fruits and vegetables, engineering goods and machinery, vehicles, etc. Major non-oil Indian imports from Kuwait are salt, sulphur, stone, plastic materials, cement; organic chemicals; iron and steel; fertilizers; aluminum; copper, etc.
Joint Ministerial Commission: An India-Kuwait Joint Ministerial Commission on Economic and Technical Cooperation was set up in 1992. It is co-chaired by India s Minister of State for External Affairs and Kuwait s Minister of Finance. Its first meeting took place in Kuwait on November 25-27, 2006, and second in New
Delhi on July 1-3, 2008. Its third meeting is due to be held in Kuwait shortly. The Joint Working Group on Hydrocarbons held its first meeting in December 2009 in Kuwait. First meeting of Joint Working Group on Labour, Employment and Manpower Development was held in New Delhi in February 2008 and the second
meeting in January 2010 in Kuwait.
Indian companies in Kuwait: TCIL, LIC (International), LIC Housing Finance, New India Assurance Company, Oriental Insurance Company and Indian (Air India/Indian Airlines) have offices in Kuwait, while companies like L&T, Bridge & Roof, Punj Lloyd, Kalpataru, KEC International Ltd (subsidiary of RPG Group), Shalimar Valves, etc., are implementing major projects in Kuwait, including in the
petroleum and power sectors.
Kuwaiti Investment in India: Kuwaiti investment in India has been significant, but largely indirect. Much of it has gone into India through portfolio management, international investment companies or via countries providing tax breaks. India related funds launched in Kuwait include India Fund (October 2005); Tijari India
Fund (December 2006); India Equity Fund (January 2007); Kuwait India Holding Company; Indian Private Equity Fund; India Private Equity Fund; 3rd Real Estate Islamic Fund (May 2007); and Mayur Hedge Fund (August 2008). On 23 July 2009, UTI Asset Management Co. set up a $500 million private equity fund with
Kuwait's Noor Financial Investment Company to invest in unlisted Indian infrastructure companies.
Civil Aviation: Air India/Jet Airways/ Kuwait Airways have direct flights to Indian cities. National Aviation Services, Kuwait, has handling contracts for 15 Indian airports.
Culture, S&T and Education: Regular exchanges take place in these fields. A Festival of India in Kuwait was held in Kuwait from November 8-14, 2009. It included performances/exhibitions by 130 Indian artistes and showcased our performing and visual arts. Eminent artists like Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Shiv Kumar Sharma, Rajendra Prasanna, Rimpa Siva, and Ranjana Gauhar participated in the event. A Qawwali Evening by the Nizami Bandhu group, sponsored by the ICCR, was held in Kuwait on 2 & 3 October 2010, which was attended by several Kuwaiti dignitaries, Ambassadors, and members of the Indian community in Kuwait. Cultural entertainment programmes are very regularly held in Kuwait involving such well known artistes as L. Subramanian, Amaan Ali Khan, Ayaan Ali Khan, Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu, Kavita
Krishnamurthy, Anup Jalota, Udit Narayan etc. India-Kuwait Agreements: Numerous bilateral Agreements provide a framework for promoting relations. Prominent amongst them are: on Reciprocal Protection of
Investment (2001); on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (2004); Extradition (2004); on Juridical and Judicial Cooperation in Civil and Commercial Matters (2005); on Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursor Chemicals (2006); on Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income (2006); MoU on Labour, Employment and Manpower Development (2007); on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (2009); Cultural and Information Exchanges (2009); Education and Learning Cooperation (2009).
Indian community in Kuwait: The Indian community of 640,000 in Kuwait adds an important dimension to our ties. It is one of the largest concentrations of Indian nationals abroad and is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. It is present in practically all segments of society in Kuwait, and is known to be disciplined, hard working, talented and law-abiding. Its contribution to the development and prosperity of Kuwait, and to that of its members and their families, is noteworthy, as are the remittances sent by it to India. 19 Indian Schools in Kuwait are affiliated to our Central Board of Secondary Education. There are also about 300 Indian community associations in Kuwait, of which 138 are registered with the Embassy. To keep pace with our expanding bilateral interaction and the growing Indian community, the Embassy outsourced its passport and visa services in May 2009, providing more convenient timings and locations than before. In order to enhance the support available to Indians in Kuwait, the Embassy set up an Indian Workers Welfare Center in September 2009, which provides a labour complaints redressal mechanism, accommodation and other facilities for domestic workers in distress, a work contract attestation system, a toll-free 24x7 telephonic helpline for Indian domestic workers, a free legal advice clinic, and a Help Desk to guide all Indian nationals.
of which had an Indian perspective: building ships using teak and other timber brought from India; pearl diving and fishing; and voyages to India on dhows carrying dates that were traded for wood, rope, rice, tiles, cloth and spices. Until 1961, Indian Rupee was the legal tender in Kuwait. The Kuwaiti ruling family too
has had longstanding ties with India. Cultural affinities, historical trade and other linkages, geographic proximity, and a large presence of Indian expatriates in Kuwait, have sustained and nurtured the close relationship, which encompasses significant political, trade and economic interests.
VVIP visits from India to Kuwait: These have been by HE Vice President Dr. Zakir Husain in 1965, HE Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1981, and HE Vice President M Hamid Ansari in 2009. HE Vice President Ansari paid a stand-alone visit to Kuwait from April 6-8, 2009 and met HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince,
and other high dignitaries, and reaffirmed our traditionally close friendship. VVIP visits from Kuwait to India: These include by HH the Crown Prince and PM Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah in 1964, by HH the Amir Sheikh Jaber Al- Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in 1980 and in 1983 (for NAM Summit), and by HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah from June 14-19, 2006. Other high level exchanges since 2008: From India, these include the official visit to Kuwait by MoS for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Corporate Affairs, Government of India, Shri R.P.N. Singh, on 17-19 April 2011 to attend the 4th
Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable Conference on April 18 where he presented a paper on Energy Price Volatility . He met the Kuwaiti Oil Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and discussed bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector; by HE Shri S M Krishna, EAM, on February 25-27, 2011, to
participate in the Celebrations marking the 50th Anniversary of Independence of Kuwait, 20th Anniversary of Liberation and 5th Anniversary of HH the Amir s accession to office, during which he met HH the Amir, HH the Prime Minister, HE the Deputy PM and Foreign Minister, and others; by HE Shri Namo Narain Meena, MoS for Finance, on Dec 14-16, 2010 during which he met the Minister of Commerce & Industry of Kuwait and discussed the strengthening of bilateral economic cooperation, including in the insurance field; by HE Shri S M Krishna, EAM, on February 3-4, 2010, during which he met HH the Amir, HH the Prime
Minister, HE the Deputy PM and Foreign Minister, and others; by HE Shri Sultan Ahmed, MoS for Tourism, from October 8-9, 2009 for a multi-product event with special focus on health tourism ; by HE Shri S M Krishna, EAM, transiting Kuwait on July 12/13, 2009, en route to the 15th NAM Summit; by MoS for External Affairs HE E. Ahamed on May 15, 2008, to convey condolences on the
demise of HH the Father Amir; as also on a bilateral visit from January 29-31,
2008. From Kuwait, they include visit by HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-
Sabah, Minister of Oil & Minister of Information, September 25-28, 2010; HE Mr.
Faisal Al Hajji Bukhadour, Deputy PM and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs,
from February 3-7, 2009; by HE Mustafa Al-Shamali, Minister of Finance, from
July 1-3, 2008; and by Kuwait-India Parliamentary Friendship Group led by
Hon ble Dr. D. Buramaiah, MP, from March 9-12, 2008.
Trade and Economic Cooperation: India has consistently been amongst the top few trading partners of Kuwait. Bilateral trade has been rising steadily in recent years. India-Kuwait two-way trade is about US$ 10.5 billion annually, of which crude oil exports from Kuwait were about US$ 9 billion. Kuwait is an important partner in India s quest for energy security, annually providing 10-11% of India s crude oil imports. Top Indian exports to Kuwait include cereals, iron/steel products, meat, tea/coffee, fruits and vegetables, engineering goods and machinery, vehicles, etc. Major non-oil Indian imports from Kuwait are salt, sulphur, stone, plastic materials, cement; organic chemicals; iron and steel; fertilizers; aluminum; copper, etc.
Joint Ministerial Commission: An India-Kuwait Joint Ministerial Commission on Economic and Technical Cooperation was set up in 1992. It is co-chaired by India s Minister of State for External Affairs and Kuwait s Minister of Finance. Its first meeting took place in Kuwait on November 25-27, 2006, and second in New
Delhi on July 1-3, 2008. Its third meeting is due to be held in Kuwait shortly. The Joint Working Group on Hydrocarbons held its first meeting in December 2009 in Kuwait. First meeting of Joint Working Group on Labour, Employment and Manpower Development was held in New Delhi in February 2008 and the second
meeting in January 2010 in Kuwait.
Indian companies in Kuwait: TCIL, LIC (International), LIC Housing Finance, New India Assurance Company, Oriental Insurance Company and Indian (Air India/Indian Airlines) have offices in Kuwait, while companies like L&T, Bridge & Roof, Punj Lloyd, Kalpataru, KEC International Ltd (subsidiary of RPG Group), Shalimar Valves, etc., are implementing major projects in Kuwait, including in the
petroleum and power sectors.
Kuwaiti Investment in India: Kuwaiti investment in India has been significant, but largely indirect. Much of it has gone into India through portfolio management, international investment companies or via countries providing tax breaks. India related funds launched in Kuwait include India Fund (October 2005); Tijari India
Fund (December 2006); India Equity Fund (January 2007); Kuwait India Holding Company; Indian Private Equity Fund; India Private Equity Fund; 3rd Real Estate Islamic Fund (May 2007); and Mayur Hedge Fund (August 2008). On 23 July 2009, UTI Asset Management Co. set up a $500 million private equity fund with
Kuwait's Noor Financial Investment Company to invest in unlisted Indian infrastructure companies.
Civil Aviation: Air India/Jet Airways/ Kuwait Airways have direct flights to Indian cities. National Aviation Services, Kuwait, has handling contracts for 15 Indian airports.
Culture, S&T and Education: Regular exchanges take place in these fields. A Festival of India in Kuwait was held in Kuwait from November 8-14, 2009. It included performances/exhibitions by 130 Indian artistes and showcased our performing and visual arts. Eminent artists like Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Shiv Kumar Sharma, Rajendra Prasanna, Rimpa Siva, and Ranjana Gauhar participated in the event. A Qawwali Evening by the Nizami Bandhu group, sponsored by the ICCR, was held in Kuwait on 2 & 3 October 2010, which was attended by several Kuwaiti dignitaries, Ambassadors, and members of the Indian community in Kuwait. Cultural entertainment programmes are very regularly held in Kuwait involving such well known artistes as L. Subramanian, Amaan Ali Khan, Ayaan Ali Khan, Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu, Kavita
Krishnamurthy, Anup Jalota, Udit Narayan etc. India-Kuwait Agreements: Numerous bilateral Agreements provide a framework for promoting relations. Prominent amongst them are: on Reciprocal Protection of
Investment (2001); on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (2004); Extradition (2004); on Juridical and Judicial Cooperation in Civil and Commercial Matters (2005); on Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursor Chemicals (2006); on Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income (2006); MoU on Labour, Employment and Manpower Development (2007); on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (2009); Cultural and Information Exchanges (2009); Education and Learning Cooperation (2009).
Indian community in Kuwait: The Indian community of 640,000 in Kuwait adds an important dimension to our ties. It is one of the largest concentrations of Indian nationals abroad and is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. It is present in practically all segments of society in Kuwait, and is known to be disciplined, hard working, talented and law-abiding. Its contribution to the development and prosperity of Kuwait, and to that of its members and their families, is noteworthy, as are the remittances sent by it to India. 19 Indian Schools in Kuwait are affiliated to our Central Board of Secondary Education. There are also about 300 Indian community associations in Kuwait, of which 138 are registered with the Embassy. To keep pace with our expanding bilateral interaction and the growing Indian community, the Embassy outsourced its passport and visa services in May 2009, providing more convenient timings and locations than before. In order to enhance the support available to Indians in Kuwait, the Embassy set up an Indian Workers Welfare Center in September 2009, which provides a labour complaints redressal mechanism, accommodation and other facilities for domestic workers in distress, a work contract attestation system, a toll-free 24x7 telephonic helpline for Indian domestic workers, a free legal advice clinic, and a Help Desk to guide all Indian nationals.
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