Kuwait and India are the members of Non-aligned Movement (NAM). Both share identical views on various regional and international matters, and have been cooperating with each other in international forums. High level discussions and consultations between the two friendly countries is a regular feature of bilateral relations.

Kuwait and India enjoy cordial relations since the beginning. Geographical proximity, historical trade links, cultural affinities have all continued to nurture the longstanding relationship over the decades. Until 1961, the Indian currency note – the Rupee was a legal tender in Kuwait.

The Amir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Shaikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah paid a state visit to India from June 14 – 19, in 2006. During this important visit, three landmark agreements were signed between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of India which include avoidance of Double Taxation, agreement on drug reduction & prevention of illicit trafficking in Narcotic drugs and Executive program for Cultural and Information Exchanges between Kuwait and India between 2006-2008.

Agreements signed Between the State of Kuwait and Republic of India:

Kuwait and India have signed various agreements to provide a framework for the development of bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. These are as follow:

1. Cultural Agreement between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of India signed on November 2, 1970.

2. Trade Agreement between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of India signed on February 13, 1974

3. Cooperation Agreement between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of India signed on February 15, 1992.

4. Protocol between Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of India     signed on June 16, 1995

5. Memorandum of Understanding between Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State of Kuwait and Ministry of External Affairs, Government      of India signed  on July 9, 2000

6. Memorandum of Understanding on Civil Aviation Matters on August 30, 2001

7. Agreement between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of India for Encouragement and Reciprocal Protection of Investment    signed on November 27, 2001

8. Academic Agreement between the Art Faculty of the University of Kuwait and the Jamia Millia Islamia,
    New Delhi in December 2003.

9. Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters signed on August 25, 2004

10. Extradition Treaty between State of Kuwait and Republic of India signed on August 25, 2004.

11. MOU for Establishment of Indo-Kuwait Strategic Consultation Group signed on August 25, 2004.

12. Agreement on Juridical and Judicial Cooperation in Civil and Commercial Matter signed on August 16, 2005.

13. Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement and for Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income (DTAA)       between Kuwait and India signed on June 15, 2006.

14. Agreement on Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and      Precursor Chemicals and Related Matters signed on June 15, 2006.

15. Executive Programme for the Cultural and Information Exchanges between Kuwait and India for the year 2006-2008
     signed on June 15, 2006.

16. Memorandum of Understanding on Civil Aviation Matters signed on July 18, 2006.

Indian Community in Kuwait

There are approximately 900,000 Indians, who constitute the largest expatriate community in Kuwait according to Kuwaiti Interior Ministry. It is regarded as the community of first preference among the expatriates in Kuwait. Kuwait views India as a fast growing economy and a source of highly qualified professional and technical personnel. A large portion of Indian expatriates are unskilled and semi-skilled workers. Professionals like engineers, doctors, chartered accountants, scientists, software experts, management consultants, architects; skilled workers like technicians and nurses; semi-skilled workers; retail traders and businessmen are also present in the Indian community. The total remittance from Kuwait to India is estimated to be upwards of US$ 3.5 billion annually.