India and Kuwait expand strategic partnership through defence and energy

India and Kuwait are deepening their recently elevated strategic partnership, focusing on defence, energy, trade, and emerging technologies. At the inaugural meeting of the India-Kuwait Joint Defence Committee (JDC) in New Delhi, officials agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas including military training, exercises, medical services, staff talks, and research and development.

This increased military engagement follows a memorandum of understanding signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait in December 2024. The expansion of defence ties is viewed by experts as part of a hedging strategy by Kuwait to diversify its security partnerships amid regional volatility.

Beyond security, the bilateral relationship is underpinned by significant economic and social ties. The Indian diaspora, comprising over one million people, makes up approximately 21% of Kuwait’s population and 30% of its workforce. Historical maritime trade and long-standing economic bonds continue to drive cooperation in energy and investment sectors.