Embassy News

AMBASSADOR’S SPEECH FOR REPUBLIC DAY RECEPTION  29 January 2025

AMBASSADOR’S SPEECH FOR REPUBLIC DAY RECEPTION  29 January 2025

WhatsApp Image 2025 01 30 at 2.24.01 PM1 11zonH.E Dr Mahmoud Abdulaziz Bushahri, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy of the State of Kuwait and Chief Guest of today’s event,

Dignitaries from the State of Kuwait,

Ambassadors, High Commissioners and members of diplomatic corps,

Friends from media,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaskar! Good evening!  Mas’aa Al-Kheir!

        A very warm welcome to all of you for joining us today to celebrate the 76th Republic Day of India. My special thanks to H.E Dr Mahmoud Abdulaziz Bushahri, the Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy for gracing the occasion.

        At the outset, I express gratitude to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for their patronage and support for a strong India-Kuwait partnership.

WhatsApp Image 2025 01 30 at 2.24.00 PM2 11zonDistinguished Guests,

        26 January 2025 marked the 75th anniversary of our Republic Day, the day when the Constitution of India was adopted. In the 75 years that have passed, India has been able to achieve to a large extent the promises that we made ourselves to the Constitution. This envisaged securing justice, liberty, equality and equity to all its citizens. And while it advanced the progress and prosperity of our nation, it also strengthened the unity and integrity of our country.  We have been able to do this in a democratic framework drawing from the pluralistic and consultative social fabric of our society.

WhatsApp Image 2025 01 30 at 2.24.00 PM1 11zonExcellencies & Distinguished Guests

        In line with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India              H.E Narendra Modi to make India a developed nation by 2047, we have embarked on this journey with strong conviction and in the backdrop of our past achievements. The Indian developmental story therefore continues to attract the attention of the international community. I would like to highlight some important facets of today’s India -

  • Largest democracy on earth with a stable political regime ;
  • World’s most populous country with 65% of population under 35 years of age that makes it world’s largest working population;
  • 5th largest global economy and poised to become 3rd largest soon;
  • First in lowest manufacturing costs globally;
  • Preferred global foreign investment destination with FDI of USD 710 bn in the last 10 years;
  • World’s 3rd largest Startup Ecosystem (with 115 unicorns; 1 unicorn in India out of 10 globally);
  • Global Pharmacy of the world ;
  • 4th largest renewable energy installed capacity of over 200 GW;
  • 50% of all global digital payments take place in India on real-time basis;
  • Extraordinary pace of infrastructure development – from 70 airports in 2014 to 150 airports in 2024, 28 kms of highways and 12 kms of railway track are being constructed every day;
  • 6th largest globally in patent filing (103000 patents last year) and so

WhatsApp Image 2025 01 30 at 2.23.59 PM 11zonDistinguished guests

        When it comes to Indian foreign policy, it is a reflection of our ancient philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ meaning ‘the world is one family’. We have consistently supported peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. We are privileged to speak for the global south and have been a reliable development partner for them. India has also been a first responder in times of crises for them and for others. Our two yardsticks of foreign policy are national interest and global good, which is reflected in our range of memberships in multilateral and plurilateral groupings from Quad to BRICS to SCO to BIMSTEC and so on. In recent years, India has championed many pro-planet global initiatives with like-minded countries, including the International Solar Alliance of which Kuwait recently became a signatory, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Bio-Fuels Alliance. Indian foreign policy is, in essence, designed to foster closer global cooperation and understanding.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

        Our bilateral relations with the State of Kuwait are indeed historical and time-tested. Bilaterally and multilaterally, there is a good understanding of each other’s interests. The historic and successful visit of Prime Minister of India H.E Narendra Modi to Kuwait in December 2024 has opened a new chapter in our bilateral relations with Kuwait. We convey our deepest appreciation to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait for his kind gesture of conferring the highest national award of Kuwait ‘The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer’ on Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. One of the most substantive outcomes of the visit was the elevation of our bilateral relations with Kuwait to that of a ‘Strategic Partnership’. Another significant outcome was the signing of the MoU on Defence Cooperation. Our trade and investment ties continue to grow, with India being one of the top trading partners of Kuwait. Many Indian companies are executing infrastructure projects in Kuwait and many Indian products and services are available in Kuwait. The Tata Motors owned Range Rover and Jaguar cars on display in the foyer are an example.  Similarly, there are many Kuwaiti businesses which are deeply entrenched in the Indian business eco-system. Our investor-friendly regime and high-growth economy awaits to welcome more. The number of Indians who call Kuwait their second home has crossed 1 million now. These numbers speak of the warmth and cordiality of our relations. We look forward to greater engagement with Kuwait, both at Government and people-to-people level, in the coming times. We are also confident that India-GCC relations will be further strengthened under Kuwait’s GCC Presidency.

I will now like to say a few words in Hindi for members of the Indian community present here.

Distinguished members of the Indian community

        You continue to be the vital and living bridge of our relations with Kuwait. As we look forward to greater cooperation with Kuwait, your role will also grow in equal measure. I can share with you that the leadership of Kuwait conveyed very positive sentiments to Hon’ble Prime Minister about your contribution to the development of Kuwait and their expectation of your similar role in future.

Friends,     

        Before concluding, I also wanted to share an important recent development in India-Kuwait relations. For the first time, Government of India has awarded one of its highest civilian awards ‘Padma Shri’ to a Kuwaiti national, Sheikha Shaikha Ali Jaber Al-Sabah for her role in promoting yoga in Kuwait and the region. This was announced on the eve of this Republic Day. My heartiest felicitations to Shaikha A J Al-Sabah on this recognition, who is present here today with us.

        Let me also take this opportunity to thank all stake-holders who are playing such a key role in taking India-Kuwait relationship to greater heights. I thank you all once again for your august presence today and, in particular, the Hon’ble Minister of Electricty, Water and Renewable Energy. And last but not the least, my Embassy team for making today’s event possible.

Long live India-Kuwait friendship!

Haiya Asadaqa alhindia – alkuwaytiya  lil abad

Thank you

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Embassy of India Kuwait Conferment of Padma Shri award on Sheikha Shaikha A J Al-Sabah

Embassy of India

Kuwait

 

Conferment of Padma Shri award on Sheikha Shaikha A J Al-Sabah

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1, The Government of India conferred the prestigious ‘Padma Shri’ award on Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait on 25 January 2025 for her efforts in promoting Yoga in Kuwait and the region. She is the first Kuwaiti national to receive a Padma award and among the select 8 international recipients of Padma Shri this year.

2.     Padma Shri award is one of the highest civilian Awards of India and is awarded for distinguished service in any field. The Award is given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. The award is traditionally announced on the occasion of the Republic Day of India. The Award is conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year. 

3.   Shaikha A J Al-Sabah is credited with the inception of the first licensed yoga studio in Kuwait. The studio named ‘Daratma’ combines Arabic word ‘Dar’ (home) with Sanskrit word ‘Atma’ (soul) thus epitomising a deep connection with India.   She has been a pioneer in the field of yoga education in Kuwait. She is also the Co-founder of Shems Youth Yoga in Kuwait. Due to her efforts, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry of Kuwait introduced Yoga education license in Kuwait which is now accessible to all. Her contributions have also played a key role in promoting yoga within the region.

4.   Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi met Shaikha A J Al-Sabah during his visit to Kuwait in December, 2024 and conveyed his deep appreciation for her stellar efforts. It may be noted that based on Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s proposal of a ‘Yoga Day’ in his address to the UN General Assembly in September 2014, the resolution on ‘International Day of Yoga’ piloted by India was co-sponsored by 177 countries, including Kuwait and adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly. Since 2015, the world celebrates the International Day of Yoga on 21 June every year. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has been organizing the International Day of Yoga in Kuwait on 21 June every year.

28 January 2025

Kuwait


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Ambasdoor AdarshSwaika met with Commodore Sheikh Mubarak Ali Yousef Al-Sabah, Director General of Coast Guard of Kuwait

Ambasdoor AdarshSwaika met with Commodore Sheikh Mubarak Ali Yousef Al-Sabah, Director General of Coast Guard of Kuwait

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Ambasdoor AdarshSwaika met with Commodore Sheikh Mubarak Ali Yousef Al-Sabah, Director General of Coast Guard of Kuwait. Discussions focussed on bilateral cooperation between the Coast Guards of   in the context of recent MoU on Defence cooperation.

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 The Embassy of India, Kuwait organized an awareness session

 The Embassy of India, Kuwait organized an awareness session

WhatsApp Image 2024 11 29 at 2.33.02 AM4 11zon1. The Embassy of India, Kuwait organized an awareness session for the representatives of the Indian community members on the Kuwait Labour Laws pertaining to Private and Domestic Sector on 27 November 2024 at the Indian Embassy.

2. During the session, Representatives from Public Authority of Manpower (PAM) and Domestic Labour Office (DLO) namely (i) Ms Maha Al Azmi, Senior Investigator, PAM; (ii) Nasser Al Kandari, Senior Investigator, DLO; (iii) Dr Adnan Al Beloushi, Senior Investigator, DLO; and (iv) Mr Aydh Al Rashidi, Senior Investigator, DLO briefed the gathering about various of the labour laws of Kuwait dealing with private sector and domestic sector and held an interactive Q&A session with the audience.

3. The gathering consisted of Human Resource Managers from major Kuwaiti companies, recruiting agents and representatives of major Indian Community Associations in Kuwait. Addressing the session, Ambassador H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika urged the Indian workers in Kuwait to follow and adhere to the laws, rules and regulations of the host Government. A presentation was also made by the Embassy’s First Secretary (Community Welfare & Labour) outlining various aspects relevant to Indian workers in Kuwait.

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Ambassdor AdarshSwaika called on H.E. Abdulrahman Baddah Al-Mutairi, Minister of Information & Culture and MoS Youth Affairs of Kuwait

Ambassdor AdarshSwaika called on H.E. Abdulrahman Baddah Al-Mutairi, Minister of Information & Culture and MoS Youth Affairs of Kuwait

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Ambassdor AdarshSwaika called on H.E. Abdulrahman Baddah Al-Mutairi, Minister of Information & Culture and MoS Youth Affairs of Kuwait. Discussed proposals and sought his guidance to further strengthen cooperation between  and  in #media, #information and #cultural domain.

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Inauguration of website of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 by Hon’ble External Affairs Minister of India and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha

Inauguration of website of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 by Hon’ble External Affairs Minister of India and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha

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Embassy will be organising the live telecast of inauguration of website of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 by Hon’ble External Affairs Minister of India and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha on 12 Nov at 1430 hrs at the Embassy. All Indian nationals are welcome to join.

Ambassdor AdarshSwaika called on Lt Gen Pilot Bandar Salem Abdullah Al Muzain, Chief of General Staff of Kuwait

Ambassdor AdarshSwaika called on Lt Gen Pilot Bandar Salem Abdullah Al Muzain, Chief of General Staff of Kuwait

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Ambassdor AdarshSwaika called on Lt Gen Pilot Bandar Salem Abdullah Al Muzain, Chief of General Staff of Kuwait. They discussed various aspects of bilateral defence cooperation between  , including forthcoming visit of 3 Indian naval ships to Kuwait.

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Signing of an MoU for setting up of an ICCR Chair of Indian Studies/Hindi Language in Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), Kuwait

Signing of an MoU for setting up of an ICCR Chair of Indian Studies/Hindi Language in

Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), Kuwait

            Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), Kuwait signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 12 September 2024 for setting up of ICCR's Chair of Indian Studies for teaching of Hindi Language in GUST. Ambassador of India to Kuwait, Dr Adarsh Swaika, signed the MoU on behalf of ICCR along-with Prof. Bassam Alameddine, President of GUST.

2.         Under the terms of the MoU, ICCR, in consultation with GUST, shall appoint an expert Indian academician to teach Hindi for a period of upto 3 years in GUST.

3.         Hindi language is one of the widely spoken languages in the world, with over 600 million speakers, making it the third most spoken language globally. Hindi's prominence extends beyond India, as it is spoken by large Indian diasporas in countries like Mauritius, Fiji, Nepal, and Trinidad & Tobago. Recognizing Hindi’s cultural outreach and contribution to multilingualism at the global level, the United Nations (UN) launched Hindi social media accounts on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram as well as a Hindi website of UN News in 2018.  A similar Chair was recently set-up in Oman in December 2023, making it the first of its kind in the Gulf region.

4.         This is ICCR's first-ever Chair of Indian Studies in Kuwait and can be considered as a major step in furthering the promotion of Hindi language and India related studies in Kuwait. A weekly Hindi radio broadcast was also launched on Kuwait National radio in April 2024. These steps underscore the importance being attached to Hindi language in Kuwait and is a recognition of the contribution of the large and vibrant Indian diaspora in Kuwait.

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Remarks by EAM, Dr. S. Jaishankar at the first India-GCC Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue

Remarks by EAM, Dr. S. Jaishankar at the first India-GCC Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue

It is a great pleasure to participate in and address the first India-GCC Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue. Our meeting today is not just an occasion to reflect on our achievements, but an opportunity to chart an ambitious and far-reaching course for the future.

The relationship between India and the GCC is rooted in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and shared values. These bonds have grown stronger with time, evolving into a partnership that spans economics, energy, defence, technology, education, people to people ties and beyond.

There are many ways to contemplate our partnership. Let me offer the framework of 3Ps – People, Prosperity and Progress.

Our people-to-people ties are the bedrock of our relationship. Close to 9 million Indians work and live amongst you, acting as a living bridge between us. Their contributions to your economic progress are widely recognized. We thank you for ensuring their welfare and comfort.

Our interactions are key to driving prosperity – for the GCC and for India. Trade has not only expanded in volume but also in diversity, encompassing a wide range of goods and services that fuel our economies and create jobs. It is important that we think not just for today. The task before us is to invest in each other’s future and support each other’s continued prosperity.

The GCC is a cornerstone of global energy supply. India is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets. Much of the future demand is going to come from us. Our deeper collaboration will help in stabilizing markets, driving innovation and enhancing energy security.

Our partnership in the areas of renewables, technology and innovation, health, space, education can also help realize our respective national goals.

But our relationship goes beyond just transactions. It is built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future. It has a larger goal of advancing progress in a world that is characterized by technological advancements, changing geopolitics, shifts in the global economy and the urgent need to address environmental sustainability.

Progress and prosperity require its concomitant – security – to also be stronger. The Gulf region occupies a central place in contemporary geopolitics. In a world polarized by conflict and tension, we share a commitment to global peace, security, and stability.

The current situation in Gaza is now understandably our foremost concern. India’s position in this regard has been principled and consistent. While we condemn acts of terrorism and hostage taking, we are deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians. Any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law. We support a ceasefire as soon as possible.

On the larger issue, we have consistently stood for a resolution of the Palestinian issue through a two-State solution. We have also contributed to the building of Palestinian institutions and capacities. Where the humanitarian situation is concerned, we have provided relief and increased our support to UNRWA.

Colleagues, sometimes it is adversity that brings out the real importance of friendships. The pandemic underlined how relevant we are to each other for health security, food security and maritime security. Similarly, the demands of AI, of electric mobility and of green growth highlight the importance of sharing human resources. Conflict and tensions bring out the importance of cooperating on connectivity. In a world moving towards multipolarity, we can be mutually supportive of each other’s aspirations.

As I look forward to our discussions, let me recognize your commitment to this partnership. Let us use this platform to deepen our ties, explore new avenues of cooperation, and build a collaborative future.

Your Highness and Excellencies, I thank you for your attention and look forward to our discussions. 

Ambasddor AdarshSwaika met H.E. Aziz Al-Dehani, Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs.

Ambasddor AdarshSwaika met H.E. Aziz Al-Dehani, Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs.

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Ambasddor AdarshSwaika met H.E. Aziz Al-Dehani, Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs. They discussed various bilateral consular and labour issues, including the next meeting of the Joint Working on Labour, Employment and Manpower Development.

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Ambassdor AdarshSwaika called on H.E. Sheikh Humoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the new Governor of Ahmadi Governorate.

Ambassdor AdarshSwaika called on H.E. Sheikh Humoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the new Governor of Ahmadi Governorate.

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Ambassdor AdarshSwaika called on H.E. Sheikh Humoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the new Governor of Ahmadi Governorate. Ambassdor  congratulated the Governor on his appointment and apprised him of contributions of the large Indian community in his Governorate.

Ambassdor  AdarshSwaika called on H.E Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, First Dy PM,

Ambassdor  AdarshSwaika called on H.E Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, First Dy PM,

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Ambassdor  AdarshSwaika called on H.E Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, First Dy PM, Minister of Defence and Interior. Ambassador highlighted the state and prospects of bilateral defence cooperation and apprised him of issues relating to the Indian community in Kuwait.

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Visit of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to Kuwait (August 18, 2024)

Visit of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to Kuwait (August 18, 2024)

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1. ​External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to the State of Kuwait on 18 August 2024.

​2.​ During the visit, EAM called on His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. EAM thanked the leadership of Kuwait for their guidance in strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Kuwait.

​3.​ The meeting of EAM with Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait H.E. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, provided an opportunity to discuss avenues to further deepen bilateral relations in all spheres, including through greater exchanges of visits at various levels. There was a strong interest on both sides for giving more content to the economic partnership, both in trade and investments. They also discussed new areas of untapped potential for further enhancing collaboration, particularly in pharma, technology, education, etc. Further stream-lining of labour and manpower issues and their implementation was stressed. Both Ministers also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

​4.​ EAM met a cross-section of prominent members of Indian community in Kuwait as well as representatives of various professional and community associations. The large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait continues to be a living bridge between the two countries.

​5.​ The visit was instrumental in imparting a fresh momentum to our bilateral relations and preparing a framework for forthcoming exchanges and concrete deliverables. ​

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Ambassador AdarshSwaika called on H.E. Dr. Anwar Ali Abdullah Al-Mudhaf, Minister of Finance & Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment of Kuwait

Ambassador AdarshSwaika called on H.E. Dr. Anwar Ali Abdullah Al-Mudhaf, Minister of Finance & Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment of Kuwait

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Ambassador AdarshSwaika called on H.E. Dr. Anwar Ali Abdullah Al-Mudhaf, Minister of Finance & Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment of Kuwait. Discussions focused on cooperation in financial sector, as well as some other areas of mutual interest.

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Indian Ambassador Dr Adarsh Swaika called on H.E.Dr. Ahmad Abdul Wahab Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health of Kuwait

Indian Ambassador Dr Adarsh Swaika called on H.E.Dr. Ahmad Abdul Wahab Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health of Kuwait

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Indian Ambassador Dr Adarsh Swaika called on H.E.Dr. Ahmad Abdul Wahab Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health of Kuwait. Discussions pertained to further collaborations in a broad-spectrum of healthcare sector, including Pharmaceuticals, medical devices and human resources.

 
  
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