Kuwait holds defence meet with India
Oil-rich Kuwait recently signed a defense pact with Pakistan, prompting its first-ever defense committee meeting with India. The Gulf nation aims to diversify its military procurement options through its ties with India, as countries in the region explore a US plus one model to enhance security amid geopolitical volatility. At the inaugural India-Kuwait Joint Defence Committee meeting in New Delhi last Friday, both nations pledged to bolster bilateral defense cooperation in various aspects, such as training, joint military exercises, medical services, staff talks, defense industry, and Research & Development.
The meeting, co-chaired by joint secretary Amitabh Prasad and Brigadier General Raed Alsakran, saw Indian delegation representatives from the Department of Defence Production, DRDO, Armed Forces Medical Services, and Ministry of External Affairs. Kuwaiti officials also engaged with Indian defense industry representatives to discuss potential areas of mutual cooperation.
As geopolitical tensions escalate, India must expedite its efforts to explore and develop defense industry partnerships with Kuwait. The strategic partnership between the two countries was elevated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kuwait in December 2024. Factors like proximity, historical trade ties, cultural connections, and the significant Indian diaspora in Kuwait have sustained and strengthened these enduring and multifaceted relations.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
