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Kuwait Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait, India celebrate 250 years of friendship
KUWAIT: In an exhibition that bridges centuries of shared history, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait marked 250 years of India-Kuwait friendship, a relationship that began long before either nation took its modern form. Held at the National Library of Kuwait on Monday, the exhibition runs until Friday and features a rich collection of rare documents, trade records, and cultural artifacts. Together, they tell the story of how trade, travel, and mutual respect have long connected the peoples of India and Kuwait. Reviving what he described as the 'glorious past between the two countries,' the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Adarsh Swaika highlighted that this legacy brings with it a responsibility for building a prosperous future too. 'While the older generation remembers these ties, it is now the younger generation's turn to discover it. That's the key focus of the event,' he told Kuwait Times. He added that over the coming days, the embassy expects around 2,000 students to visit the exhibition — a modest yet meaningful effort to raise awareness about this rich history. In his remarks, he shared that the India-Kuwait connection traces back to the late 18th century, when Kuwaiti merchants sailed to Indian port cities with goods like dates, Arabian horses, and pearls. In return, they brought back rice, spices, timber, and textiles — not just for local use in Kuwait but also for trade across the wider Gulf region. The exhibition showcases an array of manuscripts and artifacts that document this exchange, including trade documents from Indian ports, Kuwaiti books on pearls printed in Arabic and Gujarati in Indian presses, and historic currency notes and stamps — many of which remained legal tender in Kuwait until 1961. Dr Mohammad Al-Jassar Fahad Ghazi Al-Abduljil Indian currency notes which remained legal tender in Kuwait for a long time. - Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Prices of products sold by Kuwaiti merchants in India. Rare letters exchanged by people from the two countries - reflecting the social ties. A section of the exhibition also honors the visits and relationships between leaders of both countries over the past seven decades. Notably, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, one of Kuwait's most revered leaders, spent extended periods in India. Ambassador Swaika also highlighted the significance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kuwait in December, describing it as a 'pivotal moment that broke the diplomatic pause in high-level engagements.' He added, 'We now eagerly anticipate a reciprocal visit from Kuwaiti leadership to India — an opportunity to write the next chapter of this extraordinary journey together.' Dr Mohammad Al-Jassar, Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, spoke about the deep-rooted cultural relationship between India and Kuwait, emphasizing that it goes far beyond commerce. 'Our ties with India go beyond just trade, beyond just merchant families who presented today some of their stories,' he said. 'These types of relationships establish or create a soft cultural diplomacy between nations.' He described the exhibition as part of an ongoing cultural dialogue between the National Council and countries with which Kuwait shares strong and enduring ties. Fahad Ghazi Al-Abduljil, President of the Kuwaiti Heritage Society, contributed personal documents to the exhibition, highlighting the longstanding economic ties between the two nations. Believing that documentation is the only means to preserve events and information, they issued this brochure to document this important exhibition, which sheds light on key aspects of this deep and historic relationship. Most of the documents showcased highlight the prices of Indian goods, the names of some Kuwaiti commercial offices at ports in the Indian subcontinent, as well as the significant trade exchange between Kuwait and India at the time. Al-Abduljil also remarked that India's cultural influence remains visible in Kuwait today — from elements in the local cuisine to words embedded in everyday language.
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Kuwait hosts five-day exhibition celebrating 250 years of 'friendship' with India
Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika and Director General of Kuwait's National Center for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Mohammad Al-Jassar inaugurated 5-day exhibition cum talk series, 'Rihla-e-Dosti: 250 Years of India-Kuwait Friendship' on Monday at National Library in Kuwait city. The exhibition showcases rare artefacts, manuscripts, Indian currency, books, stamps, and photos of leaders from India and Kuwait. "At the opening of Rihla-e-Dosti exhibition, Ambassador Adarsh Swaika and DG, NCCAL highlighted the centuries-old rich history of India-Kuwait relations. Fahad AbdulJaleel, President of Kuwait Heritage Society, was the main curator and contributor of the exhibition," Embassy of India, Kuwait posted on X on Tuesday. The exhibition was organised jointly with NCCAL with the support of Kuwait Heritage Society, National Archives of India, External Publicity Division, Ministry of External Affairs, and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India. A booklet showcasing select photos was released during the opening of the exhibition. A panel discussion during the event featured prominent merchant families from Kuwait with deep historical ties to India -- Ibrahim Abdullatif Al-Ibrahim, Suliman Abdulmohsen Al-Khames and Abdullatif Abdulrazza shared stories of their families' India connections from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Addressing the exhibition, DG NCCAL, Mohammad Al-Jassar, said relations with India have been a unique example of deep-rooted understanding and cultural exchange. He stressed the role of culture and arts in boosting relations among people. Appreciating the growing economic ties between the two countries, he highlighted that in 1775, Kuwait's ship arrived, for the first time, at India's ports, and Kuwaitis after that established a wide trade transport network between the West and the East, turning Kuwait into a vital trade route. Many Kuwaiti families stayed near Indian ports and worked in exporting multiple vital commodities to the Arabian Gulf ports, like food and wood, he further stated. Meanwhile, Ambassador Adarsh Swaika affirmed that bilateral relations of the two nations are deep-seated and robust, lauding commercial ties that began in the late 18th century when Kuwait's ship carrying dates, houses, and pearls reached Indian ports. The ambassador noted that the event, co-organised by the Indian Embassy to Kuwait and the Kuwait Heritage Society, marks the cemented relations and boosts awareness of the two countries' youth on their common rich history. The exhibition contains documents on trade at India's ports and Kuwait's books about pearls printed in Arabic or local dialects in India, along with other items.
Arab Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
India woos Kuwaitis for higher studies
KUWAIT CITY, May 13: Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika confirmed that India and Kuwait are keen on strengthening cooperation in the field of higher education to ease procedures for Kuwaitis who intend to study in Indian universities. Speaking to the daily by telephone after he meets with Minister of Education Dr. Adel Al-Tabtabaei, Swaika revealed, 'We discussed various avenues to deepen bilateral collaboration in the education sector.' He said the meeting also touched on the development of educational partnerships between the two countries, including a review of the Indian school network in Kuwait, which currently consists of 26 schools serving more than 60,000 students. He affirmed that both sides underscored the importance of continued cooperation to serve mutual interests in education and cultural exchange. He added, 'We are working together to include Indian universities on Kuwait's National Bureau for Academic Accreditation and Education Quality Assurance (NBAQ) list, which will pave the way for Kuwaiti students to enroll in Indian institutions. It will also allow Kuwaiti universities to recruit qualified professors from India.' In a related development, Swaika disclosed that following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Hindi language seat at a private university in Kuwait, a professor from New Delhi specializing in Hindi is expected to join the faculty by September, marking the official start of teaching Hindi language.
Arab Times
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Indian Ambassador hosts Ramadan Ghabqa, celebrating shared heritage
KUWAIT CITY, March 18: Ambassador of India to Kuwait Dr. Adarsh Swaika hosted a Ramadan Ghabqa at India House on Monday night to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. Present at the gathering were members of the Indian community and the diplomatic corps; as well as the oil minister, Farwaniya governor, Amiri Diwan advisor, Ministry of Defense undersecretary, Ministry of Information undersecretary, chief executive officer of the National Bank of Kuwait, chief executive officer of Kuwait Finance House, prominent Kuwaiti businesspersons and others. The ambassador conveyed his heartfelt greetings on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan to all those present at the event and the entire Kuwait. He said this tradition, which is observed by the Indian Embassy, symbolizes the shared cultural heritage between the two countries. He disclosed that in India, a land of diverse religions and cultures, the month of Ramadan holds great significance highlighting country's vibrant pluralism, as it is home to the second largest Muslim population in the world. He added 'it also symbolizes the spirit of unity in diversity, where people of different religions and backgrounds live in harmony.' He continued 'in Kuwait, the Indian community maintains the tradition of hosting Iftar and Ghabqa banquets during Ramadan, refl ecting the strong cultural and popular ties between the two countries.' He stated that this event highlighted the Indian way of celebrating Ramadan through Indian music and cuisine. He also reiterated the depth of the relationship between the two countries in all fields, citing the historic visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait, which he described as 'very successful'. Indian artists presented live musical performances; featuring classical Indian instruments such as the fl ute, tabla and violin -- set to the tunes of famous Bollywood songs. The kitchen featured live cooking of delicious Indian cuisine, including some popular dishes in India and Kuwait.
Arab Times
16-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait Red Crescent and Indian Embassy Discuss Strengthening Humanitarian Ties
KUWAIT CITY, March 16: The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), Ambassador Khaled Al-Mughamis, received the Ambassador of the Republic of India to Kuwait, Dr. Adarsh Swaika , at the KRCS headquarters. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in humanitarian and relief efforts, reflecting the strong ties between the two nations. Ambassador Al-Mughamis warmly welcomed Ambassador Dr. Adarsh Swaika and his accompanying delegation, praising the longstanding relations between Kuwait and India. He emphasized the KRCS's commitment to strengthening its partnership with India, which aligns with the Society's mission to provide support and assistance to those affected by natural disasters, wars, and conflicts worldwide. Al-Mughamis highlighted Kuwait's enduring humanitarian approach, which extends aid to all those in need, irrespective of race, religion, or gender. He recalled the KRCS's swift response during the 2019 floods in the southern Indian state of Kerala, where the Society provided critical humanitarian aid. Additionally, in 2021, the KRCS sent 25 tons of emergency medical supplies via a Kuwaiti relief plane to support India's efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. During the meeting, the two ambassadors discussed key issues of mutual interest, particularly in the fields of humanitarian and relief work. They explored opportunities to further enhance cooperation between the KRCS and Indian humanitarian organizations. Ambassador Dr. Adarsh Swaika commended the KRCS for its prominent role in global humanitarian and relief efforts, expressing his appreciation for the Society's support to countries affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises. He affirmed that the meeting addressed several topics aimed at deepening collaboration in the humanitarian field, underscoring the strength of Kuwaiti-Indian relations. Dr. Adarsh Swaika also highlighted the close cooperation between Kuwait and India in various sectors, including political, economic, and commercial fields, and expressed optimism for further strengthening these ties through joint humanitarian initiatives. The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to fostering greater collaboration in addressing global humanitarian challenges and supporting vulnerable communities worldwide.
