India and Kuwait elevate ties to Strategic Partnership during PM Modi's first visit; defence MoU signed, Kuwait joins ISA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Kuwait on 21–22 December 2024 produced a defence MoU, cultural and sports programmes, and Kuwait's membership of the International Solar Alliance.
Summary
India and Kuwait agreed to elevate their relations to a 'Strategic Partnership' during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Kuwait on 21–22 December 2024, his first visit to the country, according to the joint statement of 22 December. Modi held talks with Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and was received by Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace. The two sides signed an MoU on defence cooperation, a Cultural Exchange Programme for 2025–2029 and an Executive Programme for sports cooperation for 2025–2028, and Kuwait became a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The leaders welcomed the new Joint Commission on Cooperation, to be headed by the two Foreign Ministers. Modi also attended the opening of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup on 21 December as Guest of Honour of the Amir.
Key facts
- Visit
- 21–22 December 2024; first visit of Modi to Kuwait
- Relationship
- Elevated to Strategic Partnership
- Defence
- MoU on cooperation in defence (training, exercises, defence industry, R&D)
- Culture
- Cultural Exchange Programme 2025–2029
- Sports
- Executive Programme for sports cooperation 2025–2028
- ISA
- Kuwait became a member of the International Solar Alliance
- Joint Commission on Cooperation
- Headed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries
- Sporting event
- PM attended the opening of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as Guest of Honour
Practice MCQs 4 questions
To what level did India and Kuwait elevate their bilateral relations during PM Narendra Modi's visit in December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Strategic Partnership
PIB (PMO) joint statement: the two leaders agreed to elevate the relations between India and Kuwait to a 'Strategic Partnership'.
Which international organisation did Kuwait join as one of the outcomes of PM Modi's visit in December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — International Solar Alliance
PIB (PMO) list of outcomes: Kuwait's membership of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was one of the outcomes of the visit.
PM Narendra Modi attended the opening ceremony of which sporting event in Kuwait on 21 December 2024 as Guest of Honour of the Amir?
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Correct answer: A — 26th Arabian Gulf Cup
PIB (PMO) joint statement: Prime Minister Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait on 21 December 2024 as Guest of Honour of the Amir.
Consider the following outcomes of PM Modi's visit to Kuwait in December 2024: 1. An MoU on cooperation in the field of defence. 2. A Cultural Exchange Programme for 2025–2029. 3. A Joint Commission on Cooperation headed by the National Security Advisers of both countries. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB (PMO): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong because the Joint Commission on Cooperation will be headed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries.