Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred upon The Order of Mubarak Al- Kabeer, the highest national award of Kuwait by Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait on 22nd December 2024. The conferment of the award on this historic visit of a Prime Minister of India to Kuwait after 43 years added a special meaning to the occasion.

Prime Minister dedicated the award to the long-standing friendship between India and Kuwait, to the Indian community in Kuwait and to the 1.4 billion people of India. The award was instituted in 1974 and has since been conferred on select global leaders.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also met the Amir of Kuwait. This was the first meeting between the two leaders.

The leaders recalled the strong historical and friendly ties between the two countries and re-affirmed their full commitment to further expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation. In this context, they agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a ‘Strategic Partnership’.

Prime Minister thanked His Highness the Amir for ensuring the well-being of over one million strong Indian community in Kuwait. The Amir expressed appreciation for the contribution of the large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait’s development.

Prime Minister appreciated the new initiatives being undertaken by Kuwait to fulfill its Vision 2035 and congratulated His Highness the Amir for successful holding of the GCC Summit earlier this month.

Modi also met today with Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait.