India and Kuwait agree to strengthen defence cooperation

In a significant development, India and Kuwait have agreed to enhance their defense cooperation during the inaugural meeting of the India-Kuwait Joint Defence Committee (JDC) held in New Delhi on Friday. The meeting, co-chaired by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad from India and Brigadier General Raed Alsakran from Kuwait, aimed to operationalize the objectives outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kuwait in December 2024.

The JDC meeting focused on various aspects of defense cooperation, including training, military exercises, medical services, staff talks, defense industry collaboration, and research and development.

Ahead of the JDC meeting, Brigadier General Raed Alsakran paid tribute to fallen heroes at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. Kuwaiti delegation members also visited Indian defense sector undertakings to explore potential areas of mutual cooperation. India and Kuwait share a long-standing and multifaceted relationship, with diplomatic ties established in 1962.

The relationship was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership during Modi's visit to Kuwait in 2024, fueled by geographical proximity, historical trade links, cultural affinities, and the presence of a large Indian community in Kuwait.