India, Kuwait hold first Joint Defence Committee meeting; agree to deepen military ties
New Delhi: India and Kuwait have agreed to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation across areas including military training, exercises, medical services, defence industry and research and development.
The inaugural India-Kuwait Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting was held in New Delhi on August 28, marking an important step towards implementing the Defence Cooperation MoU signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait in December 2024.
The meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad and Brigadier General Raed Alsakran of Kuwait. Representatives from India’s three armed forces, Defence Production Department, DRDO, Armed Forces Medical Services and the Ministry of External Affairs attended the discussions.
Both sides explored cooperation in training, joint military exercises, staff talks, military medicine, defence manufacturing and R&D.
Ahead of the meeting, Brig Gen Alsakran paid tribute to Indian soldiers at the National War Memorial by laying a wreath. The Kuwaiti delegation also held discussions with representatives of India’s defence industry at DPSU Bhawan, with further industry-level interactions planned.
India and Kuwait have maintained close ties since establishing diplomatic relations in 1962. The relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in December 2024, with historical trade links, geographical proximity and a large Indian community in Kuwait continuing to strengthen bilateral relations.
