By Yusuf Zaidi
On February 24, 2025, the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in India hosted a grand reception at the prestigious Leela Palace Hotel in New Delhi to celebrate the 64th National Day and 34th Liberation Day of the State of Kuwait. The event was graced by the presence of H.E. Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister for Civil Aviation, Republic of India, as the Chief Guest, along with senior officials, diplomats, academics, business leaders, and prominent public figures.
The celebration commenced with a warm welcome from H.E. Mr. Meshal Mustafa Al-Shemali, the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to India. In his address, Ambassador Al-Shemali extended his heartfelt congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince, the esteemed government, and the people of Kuwait. He emphasized the significance of this momentous occasion, reflecting on Kuwait’s remarkable journey since gaining independence in 1961.
In his speech, H.E. Mr. Al-Shemali highlighted Kuwait’s steady progress and achievements across various sectors under the wise leadership of its rulers. He underscored Kuwait’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace, cooperation, and diplomacy, not only within the region but also on the global stage. The Ambassador praised the enduring and historic bilateral relations between Kuwait and India, built on a solid foundation of mutual respect, shared values, and a long-standing history of trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic collaboration.
A notable highlight of the evening was the mention of the recent historic visit of His Excellency Mr. Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, to the State of Kuwait from December 21-22, 2024. This marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years and represented a milestone in strengthening bilateral ties. During this visit, both nations elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership and signed four significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the areas of defense cooperation, cultural exchange, sports collaboration, and Kuwait’s inclusion in the International Solar Alliance.
Ambassador Al-Shemali expressed confidence that this landmark visit would pave the way for deeper partnerships in crucial areas such as energy, trade, and food security, while exploring new avenues for cooperation in defense and investment. He reiterated that Kuwait and India would continue to work hand in hand, reinforcing their shared values and building a more robust and dynamic partnership for the future.
The reception was further enriched by an outpouring of congratulatory messages from various Indian government agencies and members of the diplomatic corps in New Delhi. The celebration not only honored Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days but also underscored the ever-growing friendship and cooperation between Kuwait and India.
Kuwait National Day, observed annually on February 25, commemorates the ascension of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the first Amir of the State of Kuwait, to the throne in 1950. It is a day of pride and reflection, celebrating the nation’s sovereignty, resilience, and forward-looking vision.
