A Legacy Of Friendship: Kuwait And India Reflect On 250 Years Of Strong Bilateral Relations
KUWAIT CITY, May 20: In a testament to the rich and enduring friendship between Kuwait and India, the Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, praised the relationship between the two nations as a unique model of brotherhood and cultural synergy. His remarks came during the inauguration of the exhibition 'Rihla - E- Dosti: 250 Years of Relations between India and Kuwait,' hosted at the Kuwait National Library in collaboration with the Embassy of India and the Kuwait Heritage Society.
Dr. Al-Jassar emphasized that the relationship between Kuwait and India has never been limited to mere economic interests. 'It is a deep and exceptional bond woven through centuries of mutual respect, cultural exchange, and shared values,' he said. Highlighting the long-standing maritime and commercial ties, he described how the early roots of this connection began around 1775 when Kuwaiti ships first docked at Indian ports. These initial encounters laid the foundation for what would become a dynamic trade network stretching across the East and West, positioning Kuwait as a vital commercial hub in the Gulf region.
He noted that many Kuwaiti families eventually settled near Indian ports, engaging in the export of key commodities such as foodstuffs and timber, while importing dates and Arabian horses, contributing significantly to the economic and cultural prosperity of both nations. 'Our shared heritage and ancient history continue to be a guiding light toward a future of stronger cooperation and cultural unity,' Al-Jassar added.
The exhibition, which runs until the end of the week, showcases rare archival photographs, historical documents, and items that highlight the profound civilizational and cultural influence exchanged between the two countries over centuries. Seminars and interactive sessions also explore these deep-rooted connections.
Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Adarsh Sewaka, echoed these sentiments, noting that the relationship between the two countries predates their formation as modern states. He recalled how Kuwaiti vessels once carried dates, pearls, and horses to Indian shores, returning with rice, spices, wood, and textiles—products that sustained not only Kuwait but the wider Gulf region.
Ambassador Sewaka stressed the importance of educating the younger generations about this historic bond. 'This exhibition serves as a celebration of our shared journey and a reminder to our youth of the cultural bridges that have long connected our peoples,' he said. He revealed that school and university students from across Kuwait would visit the exhibition in the coming days.
Among the displays are documents related to trade at Indian ports, Arabic books on pearl diving printed in India, historic banknotes and currencies used in Kuwait up to 1961, and postage stamps printed in India. These artifacts offer a tangible look into the intertwined legacies of India and Kuwait.
The ambassador extended his gratitude to the NCCAL for its ongoing efforts in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and praised the Kuwait Heritage Society, particularly its chairman Fahad Al-Abduljalil, for being instrumental in bringing the event to life.
The exhibition, 'Dosti's Journey: 250 Years of India-Kuwait Relations,' is a joint initiative involving the Embassy of India, NCCAL, Kuwait Heritage Society, National Archives of India, and India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of External Affairs. It stands as a powerful tribute to the centuries-old relationship built on trade, trust, and an enduring cultural kinship.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait begins work on Gulf War memorial in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, May 29: Kuwait's Ambassador to the United States, Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah, announced Wednesday the start of construction on a memorial dedicated to Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, to be located in a prominent area of downtown Washington, D.C. The memorial is set to be officially inaugurated in the fall of 2026. Speaking to KUNA during the Kuwaiti Embassy's participation in the U.S. Memorial Day commemorations, Ambassador Al-Sabah said, 'This historic memorial is a gift from the State of Kuwait to the American people in honor of the heroic deeds written with the lives and blood of Americans and Kuwaitis together.' She emphasized that the memorial will serve not only as a tribute to past sacrifices but as a lasting symbol of the partnership forged during a critical moment in history. 'It will stand in the heart of Washington as a testament to the sacrifices made in defense of sovereignty, freedom, and justice, and as a powerful message about the depth of Kuwaiti-American ties,' she added. The ambassador underscored that the project reflects 'the Kuwaiti people's sincere appreciation for the United States' historic role in the liberation of Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion in 1991.' She noted that the initiative also highlights the ongoing mutual commitment to peace and shared values that continue to shape the strong relationship between both nations. Ambassador Al-Sabah concluded by noting that the embassy's annual participation in Memorial Day observances is a continuation of that commitment. 'It is a reflection of the loyalty and enduring friendship that remain the cornerstone of Kuwaiti-American relations,' she said. Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday of May to honor American service members who lost their lives in war. The tradition dates back to May 30, 1868, when the first official ceremony was held at Arlington National Cemetery in the Washington, D.C. area.
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Work begins on Desert Storm and Shield memorial
Artist's rendering of the Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial in Washington. WASHINGTON: Kuwait's Ambassador to the United States Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah announced on Wednesday the commencement of construction of a memorial for Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield at a prominent location in downtown Washington. The memorial is scheduled to be inaugurated in the fall of 2026. In a statement to KUNA during Kuwait's participation in the US Memorial Day commemorations, Ambassador Al-Zain said: 'This historic monument is a gift from the State of Kuwait to the American people, honoring the heroism written in the lives and blood of both Americans and Kuwaitis.' She added that the memorial 'will not only stand as a witness to the past, but as a permanent symbol of a unique partnership proven strong in a pivotal moment in history, when blood was shed together on the battlefield in defense of sovereignty, freedom and justice. The monument will stand in the heart of Washington to embody and immortalize these sacrifices for future generations and to serve as a powerful message about the depth of Kuwaiti-American ties.' The ambassador affirmed that the project reflects 'the sincere appreciation of the Kuwaiti people for the historic stance of the United States during the liberation of Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion in 1991. It embodies the mutual commitment to maintaining peace and promoting the shared values that continue to form the foundation of the relationship between the two nations.' She concluded by emphasizing that the embassy's annual participation in the Memorial Day event is 'an extension of this commitment and a reflection of the spirit of loyalty and friendship that remains the cornerstone of Kuwaiti-American relations'. Memorial Day is an annual occasion to honor soldiers 'who sacrificed their lives for the nation' in various American wars. It is observed every year on the last Monday of May. The first celebration of this occasion was held on May 30, 1868, at Arlington Cemetery in the Washington area. – KUNA
Kuwait Times
4 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Japan and Kuwait strengthen cultural, technological ties
KUWAIT: A rich dialogue unfolded on Sunday at the closing ceremony of the Second Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Poster Exhibition at the Contemporary Art Platform, as Kuwaiti and Japanese experts exchanged reflections on peace, memory, and the potential for deeper cultural and technological collaboration. 'Hiroshima's vibrant culture, refined traditions, and innovative spirit remind us of the enduring value of peace,' said Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro, highlighting how the city, globally known as a symbol of peace, is also a thriving center of craftsmanship and creativity. 'From cutting-edge industries to traditional arts and cuisine, Hiroshima continues to preserve its past while driving future innovation. We see strong potential for partnerships with Kuwait in business, technology, tourism, and the creative industries.' Dr Hasan Ashkanani, Professor of Anthropological Archaeology at Kuwait University and Consultant for Archaeology and Museum Affairs at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), shared insights from his recent training in Hiroshima and Tokyo on advanced 3D documentation techniques for preserving archaeological heritage. He announced that Kuwait will host its first Japanese expert from June 20 to 25, who will lead training sessions for students, NCCAL staff, and IT professionals on applying these techniques to sites such as Failaka. 'We have over 1,000 archaeological sites, and we want to introduce them to our people and the world in advanced, virtual formats,' he said. Dr. Hamed Al-Ajlan Dr Hasan Ashkanani Shotaro Kobayashi Photos are displayed at the Second Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Poster Exhibition. - Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat He recalled standing in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, pausing at a preserved piece of fish skin, and being struck by a powerful memory. 'It reminded me of 1990. I was eight years old. We share the same feeling of injustice. August 1945 and August 1990 are tied by pain — 250,000 lives lost in Japan, over 700 in Kuwait during the invasion.' Ashkanani's visit also revealed how Hiroshima now uses virtual reality to recreate the bombing experience. 'That was one of the main reasons I went. I wanted to bring this to Kuwait — to tell our stories and preserve our memory in interactive, immersive ways.' Dr Hamed Al-Ajlan, former Director of Scientific Culture at KFAS, also reflected on his visit to Hiroshima. 'I expected a very sad city,' he said, 'but I found it beautiful and full of flowers.' At the Peace Museum, one moment stayed with him: a watch belonging to a soldier, its hands frozen at 8:15 — the moment the atomic bomb fell. 'By the time I left the museum, I cried,' he recalled. 'But Hiroshima is much more than tragedy. There's industry, culture and resilience behind it.' Adding a business perspective, Shotaro Kobayashi, President of BIZRES Co. Ltd. and board member of the Hiroshima Entertainment Association, highlighted that while Hiroshima is often viewed through the lens of its past, it is also home to thriving industries — including automobiles, furniture, and food. 'Connections with the Middle East, especially Kuwait, remain limited,' he said, 'but the potential is there.'
