Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait marks a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the two nations. Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Modi emphasized the shared history and cultural bonds that have long connected India and Kuwait. However, the focus of his visit transcended nostalgia; it was a bold push to redefine the bilateral relationship from a mere buyer-seller dynamic in oil and gas to a multifaceted strategic partnership.
Kuwait, as India’s sixth-largest crude oil supplier and fourth-largest LPG provider, plays a critical role in India’s burgeoning energy needs. Modi’s statements highlighted the opportunities for collaboration across the entire oil and gas value chain, including petrochemicals, where India aims to reach a $300 billion industry by 2025. This vision not only cements India’s position as a global energy consumer but also underscores the political maneuvering necessary to ensure energy security amidst geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Gaza, Ukraine, and India’s Global Ambitions
Modi’s remarks on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine reveal a strategic attempt to position India as a mediator in global crises. By reiterating India’s support for a negotiated two-state solution for Palestine and stressing that military solutions cannot resolve the Ukraine war, Modi appealed to both Arab solidarity and Western sensibilities. This delicate balancing act reflects India’s ambition to be seen as a neutral but assertive power capable of bridging divides.
Critics, however, may argue that Modi’s statements are more rhetorical than actionable. India’s foreign policy under his leadership has often been accused of favoring optics over substance, with lofty declarations not always translating into meaningful interventions. Nonetheless, his call for “sincere and practical engagement” between stakeholders signals India’s willingness to be part of the solution, albeit without direct involvement in peace negotiations.
India’s Soft Power in the Gulf
Modi’s outreach to the Indian diaspora in Kuwait further highlights his government’s reliance on the Indian community as a tool of soft power. With approximately nine million Indians residing in the Gulf, they form the backbone of the region’s workforce and a significant contributor to India’s foreign remittances.
Addressing the community event ‘Hala Modi,’ the Prime Minister lauded the diaspora for their role in strengthening Indo-Kuwaiti ties. “You are the living bridge between two great nations,” he declared, framing the diaspora not only as economic assets but also as cultural ambassadors. The event was not just a celebration of bilateral ties but a calculated move to rally support among Indian expatriates, many of whom are ardent supporters of Modi’s leadership.
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Trade Beyond Oil
While energy remains the cornerstone of India-Kuwait relations, Modi’s visit also aimed at expanding trade to other sectors. He highlighted the increasing presence of ‘Made in India’ products in Kuwait, particularly in automobiles, machinery, and telecommunications. The push for diversification reflects Modi’s broader economic vision of making India a global manufacturing hub under initiatives like ‘Make in India.’
Pharmaceuticals, health, technology, and textiles were identified as key areas for future collaboration. Modi’s emphasis on these sectors aligns with India’s domestic priorities of job creation and export growth. However, the success of such endeavors depends on overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and fostering a more investment-friendly environment, both in India and Kuwait.
India’s GCC Outreach
Modi’s visit also underscores the growing importance of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in India’s foreign policy. With the GCC accounting for one-sixth of India’s trade and hosting a significant chunk of the Indian diaspora, the region is pivotal to India’s economic and strategic interests.
By engaging with Kuwait’s leadership and attending the Arabian Gulf Cup as a ‘Guest of Honour,’ Modi sent a strong message about India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Gulf. However, this outreach is not without challenges. The region’s shifting alliances, particularly in the wake of Abraham Accords and Saudi-Iran rapprochement, require India to navigate a complex web of relationships carefully.
A Strategic Reset or Political Spectacle?
Modi’s visit to Kuwait is undoubtedly a significant step in deepening bilateral ties. By focusing on energy, trade diversification, and diaspora engagement, he presented a comprehensive vision for the future of India-Kuwait relations. However, whether this visit marks a genuine strategic reset or remains a political spectacle largely depends on the follow-through.
Critics may view Modi’s statements on global conflicts and bilateral partnerships as opportunistic, aimed more at bolstering his image as a statesman than achieving tangible outcomes. Yet, in a region marked by volatility and competition, even the optics of a strengthened Indo-Kuwaiti partnership could serve India’s larger geopolitical ambitions. For now, the historic ties between the two nations appear poised for a dynamic transformation.