New Delhi, August 28: India and Kuwait have taken a significant step towards strengthening their defense relations. The inaugural meeting of the India-Kuwait Joint Defense Committee took place on Friday in New Delhi.
During the meeting, both parties agreed to enhance cooperation in various areas, including military training, exercises, medical services, staff talks, defense industry, and research and development. This initiative follows the defense cooperation agreement established during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait in December 2024.
The meeting was co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary from India, and Brigadier General Raed Alaskarani, head of the five-member Kuwaiti delegation. The Indian delegation included officials from all three armed forces, representatives from the Department of Defense Production, the Defense Research and Development Organization, Armed Forces Medical Services, and the Ministry of External Affairs.
Both nations emphasized the need to expand defense relations beyond military contacts, focusing on collaboration in training, defense technology, and industry. Prior to the meeting, Brigadier General Raed Alaskarani paid tribute to martyrs at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
On the first day of their visit, the Kuwaiti delegation also toured the DPSU building, where they discussed potential areas of collaboration with representatives from the Indian defense industry. Further discussions related to the defense industry are planned for the second day.
India and Kuwait have maintained a long-standing and friendly relationship, with diplomatic ties established in 1962. The strategic partnership between the two nations was elevated during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait in December 2024.
Geographical proximity, historical trade relations, cultural ties, and a significant Indian community in Kuwait have continually strengthened the bond between the two countries. The initiation of the Joint Defense Committee paves the way for institutionalizing and enhancing defense cooperation between India and Kuwait.
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