India and Kuwait Strengthen Defence Ties at Historic Joint Committee Meeting in New Delhi

Strengthening Defence Ties: India and Kuwait Hold Historic Joint Defence Committee Meeting

In a significant move to bolster bilateral defence cooperation, the inaugural India-Kuwait Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting took place in New Delhi on August 28, 2026. The gathering marked a crucial step towards operationalizing the objectives outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation between the two nations, signed during the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in December 2024.

The JDC meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad and Brigadier General Raed Alsakran, representing a five-member Kuwaiti delegation. The Indian delegation comprised representatives from the three Services, Department of Defence Production, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Armed Forces Medical Services, and Ministry of External Affairs.

The Kuwaiti delegation, led by Brigadier General Raed Alsakran, began their visit by paying respects to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. The solemn gesture underscored the importance of the visit and the significance of the relationship between the two nations.

The Kuwaiti delegation also visited DPSU Bhawan, where discussions were held with representatives of the Indian defence industry on potential areas of mutual cooperation. This interaction is a testament to the growing ties between the two countries, with a focus on exploring opportunities for collaboration in areas such as training, military exercises, military medicine, staff talks, defence industry, and Research & Development (R&D).

India and Kuwait enjoy a long-standing and multifaceted relationship, rooted in historical ties that have withstood the test of time. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1962, and the relationship was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership during the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in December 2024.

The geographic proximity, historical trade links, cultural affinities, and the presence of a large Indian community in Kuwait continue to sustain and nurture the relationship between the two countries. The inaugural JDC meeting is a significant milestone in this journey, underscoring the commitment of both nations to strengthen their defence cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration.

Key Takeaways

• The inaugural India-Kuwait Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting was held in New Delhi on August 28, 2026, marking a crucial step towards operationalizing the objectives outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation.
• The JDC meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad and Brigadier General Raed Alsakran, representing a five-member Kuwaiti delegation.
• The Kuwaiti delegation visited DPSU Bhawan, where discussions were held with representatives of the Indian defence industry on potential areas of mutual cooperation.