In a historic moment marking the strengthening of bilateral ties, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conferred with the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, the highest national honor of Kuwait, on December 22, 2024. The prestigious award was presented to the Prime Minister by His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, in a ceremony attended by top officials, including the Prime Minister of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
The conferment of the award, which coincides with Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to Kuwait, holds significant diplomatic value as it is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years. The special occasion marked a major milestone in India-Kuwait relations, underscoring the deep-rooted ties between the two nations and the growing collaboration across various sectors, including trade, energy, and cultural exchange.
In his acceptance speech, Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep gratitude and dedicated the honor to the enduring friendship between India and Kuwait, highlighting the robust ties that bind the two countries. He also dedicated the award to the Indian community residing in Kuwait, which plays a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations, and to the 1.4 billion people of India.
“I accept this prestigious award on behalf of the people of India, and I dedicate it to the long-standing friendship between our two nations, to the vibrant Indian community in Kuwait, and to every citizen of India,” Prime Minister Modi said. “This award is a reflection of the shared values and close cooperation between India and Kuwait, and it motivates us to further deepen our partnership.”
The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, instituted in 1974, is Kuwait’s highest distinction, awarded to global leaders who have made significant contributions to the country’s relationship with Kuwait. Previous recipients of this esteemed award include heads of state and government from various parts of the world, recognizing their exceptional service in strengthening international relations.
This momentous event is part of a broader effort to celebrate the enduring bond between India and Kuwait, as both nations continue to explore new avenues of collaboration, particularly in areas such as energy, infrastructure, and cultural exchange. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait is expected to lay the groundwork for further advancing economic cooperation and people-to-people ties.
The award ceremony was a key highlight of the Prime Minister’s diplomatic trip, which also includes engagements with Kuwaiti business leaders and other high-ranking officials. The visit is expected to pave the way for new initiatives that will benefit both nations in the coming years.
As India and Kuwait continue to build on their historical relationship, the conferment of the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer is a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries.