Both countries agree to expand bilateral defence cooperation across training, military exercises, military medicine, defence industry and research & development.
New Delhi : India and Kuwait held the first meeting of the India-Kuwait Joint Defence Committee (JDC) in New Delhi on Friday, marking an important step towards strengthening defence and military cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation across several key areas, including military training, joint exercises, military medicine, official military-level talks, defence industry and research and development (R&D).
The meeting is considered an important step towards implementing the objectives outlined in the India-Kuwait Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation, which was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait in December 2024.
First Meeting of Joint Defence Committee
The meeting was co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary in India’s Ministry of Defence, and Brigadier General Raed Al-Sakaran, who led the Kuwaiti delegation.
The Indian delegation included representatives from the country’s three armed forces—the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force—along with officials from the Department of Defence Production, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Armed Forces Medical Services and the Ministry of External Affairs.
The broad composition of the Indian delegation reflects the growing importance being attached to defence cooperation with Kuwait across both military and industrial domains.
Focus on Military Training and Exercises
A key area discussed during the JDC meeting was greater cooperation in military training and exercises.
India and Kuwait explored opportunities to enhance interaction between their armed forces through structured training programmes, military exchanges and joint exercises. Such cooperation can help both sides share operational experience, improve interoperability and develop a deeper understanding of each other’s defence capabilities.
The two countries also discussed official military-level dialogue, which can provide a regular institutional mechanism for addressing emerging defence and security issues.
Military Medicine and Defence R&D
Another important area of cooperation identified during the meeting was military medicine.
India’s Armed Forces Medical Services have considerable experience in military healthcare, training and medical support. Greater institutional engagement in this field could provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional exchanges between Indian and Kuwaiti military medical establishments.
The two sides also agreed to explore cooperation in defence research and development, potentially creating opportunities for exchanges between relevant institutions and technical experts.
Defence Industry Cooperation Gets Attention
Defence industry cooperation was another major component of the discussions.
The Kuwaiti delegation visited a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) building in New Delhi on the first day of its visit. During the visit, the delegation interacted with representatives of India’s defence industry and discussed potential areas for cooperation.
Further discussions between the Kuwaiti delegation and Indian industry representatives are scheduled for the second day of the visit.
The engagement could open avenues for greater cooperation between Indian defence companies and Kuwait in areas such as defence equipment, technology, manufacturing and related services.
Tribute at National War Memorial
Before the Joint Defence Committee meeting, Brigadier General Raed Al-Sakaran visited the National War Memorial in New Delhi, where he laid a wreath and paid tribute to India’s fallen soldiers.
The visit highlighted the military-to-military dimension of the growing India-Kuwait relationship and reflected mutual respect between the two countries’ armed forces.
India-Kuwait Relations Have Deep Historical Roots
India and Kuwait have traditionally enjoyed friendly and cordial relations, supported by longstanding historical, commercial and cultural connections.
The two countries formally established diplomatic relations in 1962. Over the decades, their relationship has expanded beyond traditional economic and people-to-people ties to include cooperation in several strategic areas.
A significant milestone came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait in December 2024, when India and Kuwait elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership.
Indian Community Strengthens Bilateral Ties
The presence of a large Indian community in Kuwait has also played an important role in strengthening people-to-people relations between the two countries.
Historical trade links, geographical proximity and cultural connections have created a strong foundation for bilateral engagement. The Indian community has further contributed to the economic and social relationship between the two nations.
Defence Cooperation Enters a New Phase
The first meeting of the India-Kuwait Joint Defence Committee signals a new institutional phase in bilateral defence relations.
With cooperation now being explored across military training, exercises, medical services, defence manufacturing, military dialogue and R&D, both countries are seeking to translate their strategic partnership into practical defence cooperation.
The JDC is expected to provide a structured platform for regular engagement and help identify new areas of mutual interest.
The first India-Kuwait Joint Defence Committee meeting therefore represents an important milestone in strengthening defence ties and expanding the broader strategic partnership between the two countries.
