♦ Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah on 22 December 2024.

♦ They discussed cooperation in key sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT, FinTech, Infrastructure and security.

♦ On this occasion, the two countries elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in defence, along with agreements in culture and sports. 

♦ Modi arrived in Kuwait on December 21 for a two-day visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. The last visit was by Indira Gandhi in 1981.

Key Agreements During the Modi Visit:

♦ The defence pact focuses on several key areas, including training, personnel exchanges, joint exercises, defence industry cooperation, supply of equipment, and collaboration in research and development.

♦ A Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for 2025-2029 was also signed, aiming to boost cultural collaboration in arts, literature, music, dance, and theatre. 

♦ In the field of sports, an Executive Programme (EP) for 2025-2028 was finalised to promote bilateral cooperation.

♦ Kuwait formally joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) during Modi’s visit.

♦ The alliance aims to tackle challenges in scaling up solar energy use and support low-carbon growth trajectories for member countries.