Context:

Recently, the Prime Minister of India received Kuwait's highest national award the “Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer.”

More on the News

This prestigious honour marks the 20th international accolade bestowed upon the PM of India.

This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years, the last being Indira Gandhi in 1981.

Other Prominent Recipients: The award has previously been conferred on:

• Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles (United Kingdom)
• George HW Bush and Bill Clinton (United States)
• King Salman (Saudi Arabia)
• Nicolas Sarkozy (France)

About the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer

• Instituted in 1974, the award is named after Mubarak Al Sabah (Mubarak the Great), the ruler of Kuwait from 1896 to 1915.
• Mubarak played a pivotal role in shaping modern Kuwait.
• The design of the award was revised in 1992, following Kuwait's liberation from Iraq.
• It is conferred on Heads of State, foreign sovereigns, and royal family members, the award symbolizes friendship and goodwill.

India-Kuwait Relations:

Historical Links:

• Historically, the India-Kuwait relationship has been anchored by close cultural contacts and mutual exchange
• Maritime trade with India was the backbone of Kuwait’s economy before its oil boom.
• India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Kuwait following its independence from British Protectorate in 1961.
• The Indian rupee was legal tender in Kuwait until 1961.

Economic Ties:

• Kuwait is among India's top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at $10.47 billion in 2023-24.
• It is India’s sixth-largest crude supplier, meeting 3% of the country’s energy needs.
• Indian exports to Kuwait crossed $2 billion for the first time, while Kuwaiti investments in India exceeded $10 billion.
• The Indian community with a strength of around 1 million is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait and is regarded as the community of first preference among the expatriate communities.