The Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Mrs. K Nandini Singla, emphasized the long-standing history of cultural, social, and educational exchanges between India and Kuwait during a meeting with Kuwaiti Ambassador H.E. Meshal Mustafa AlShemali at her office in New Delhi. She highlighted the need to strengthen and upgrade these exchanges to a higher level to further enhance bilateral ties.
During the discussions, both sides focused on expanding cooperation in various fields, particularly cultural relations, which form a strong foundation for the ties between the two nations.
Ambassador AlShemali noted that India and Kuwait have enjoyed historically rooted ties, especially in the cultural and social sectors. These relations continue to strengthen the connection between the peoples of both countries, laying the groundwork for more collaboration.
This meeting follows the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kuwait in late 2024, where the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) was renewed for the period 2025-2029. The renewal of the agreement sets the stage for a diverse range of cultural exchanges between the two nations in the near future.
Ambassador AlShemali highlighted that the first cultural cooperation agreement between the two countries was signed in 1970, marking the beginning of formal cultural relations. He also pointed out that India and Kuwait have shared a rich relationship for over 300 years, dating back to the time when Kuwaiti seafarers traveled to Indian ports to exchange timber, spices, and food grains for dates and pearls. This early interaction laid the foundation for cultural exchanges, which have flourished ever since.
Ambassador AlShemali expressed optimism that the future of India-Kuwait cultural relations is poised for significant growth, with a range of exciting collaborative projects on the horizon.
