BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
Arabian Times takes its readers on an enriching journey through the eyes of His Excellency, Emad Abdulaziz Al Kharaz, the Consul General of the State of Kuwait in Mumbai. In an exclusive interview with Mohammad Tarique Saleem, Managing Editor of Arabian Times, the Consul General shares profound insights into India’s cultural richness, diversity, and the exceptional spirit of hospitality. This article delves into the historic ties between Kuwait and India, explores their present relationship, and sheds light on the Consul General’s priorities for strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural bonds.
India: A global meeting place and beacon of hospitality – Reflecting on India’s reputation as a global meeting place, Consul General Emad Al Kharaz expresses admiration for the warmth and friendliness of the Indian people. In his tenure of over a year in Mumbai, he has been welcomed into various facets of Indian life, from homes and businesses to vibrant community celebrations. Al Kharaz notes that India’s diversity, encompassing languages, religions, and cultures, is unified by a common thread of hospitality and respect for all. He acknowledges India’s status as a place where people from diverse backgrounds converge to share ideas, learn from each other, and create a harmonious coexistence.
Al Kharaz emphasizes that India’s hospitality and diversity are its greatest strengths, making it a unique and rewarding destination. He highlights the Indian culture of heartfelt hospitality, distinguishing it from the rest of the world. According to him, India’s rich history, coupled with its commitment to technological advancements in tourism and hospitality, positions it as a timeless global destination.
Historic ties and the present position – Moving on to the historic ties between Kuwait and India, Al Kharaz outlines the enduring relationship that spans over six decades. Historically, India has consistently been among Kuwait’s top trading partners. Kuwait holds a significant position as a major trading partner for India, with bilateral agreements in place. Al Kharaz notes that Kuwait is a preferred destination for Indian professionals across various sectors, and over a million Indians currently reside and contribute to Kuwait’s diverse landscape.
He assures that Kuwait remains a safe and secure country for Indians, with the government committed to the safety and well-being of all residents. Al Kharaz highlights the growing focus on strengthening bilateral ties, exploring new avenues of cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, cybersecurity, and innovation. The Consul General points out that the recent emphasis on attracting Indian investment is a testament to Kuwait’s commitment to fostering economic collaboration.
Consul General’s priorities and goals – Al Kharaz outlines his top priorities as Consul General, with a focus on strengthening Kuwait-India relations. His goals include building a robust foundation for the relationship, promoting economic ties through investments, supporting the Indian community in Kuwait, streamlining consulate procedures, fostering cultural understanding, and encouraging tourism and education exchanges. He expresses confidence in achieving these goals through collaboration with both governments and the private sector.
Current ties and future prospects – Discussing the current ties between Kuwait and India, Al Kharaz underlines their strength and collaboration in diverse areas, including trade, investment, people-to-people relations, and security. Kuwait stands as India’s 10th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 6 billion. The Consul General envisions a continuing growth trajectory, emphasizing shared interests in promoting regional peace, stability, and addressing 21st-century challenges together.
Kuwait’s stance on global issues: The Israel-Palestinian crisis – Al Kharaz articulates Kuwait’s firm stance on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, condemning Israel’s actions as a violation of international law and human rights. Kuwait supports the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, including self-determination and the establishment of an independent state. The Consul General underscores Kuwait’s commitment to recognizing Israel only after granting the Palestinians their recognized rights.
Collaborations in Education, Healthcare, and Technology : Highlighting collaborations between Kuwait and India, Al Kharaz emphasizes agreements in education, healthcare, and technology. Both nations are working on student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and sharing best practices in education. In healthcare, agreements focus on exchanging medical professionals, joint research, and sharing expertise. Collaboration in technology spans information technology, renewable energy, and space technology. Al Kharaz foresees positive impacts from these collaborations, with mutual benefits for both countries. He believes that ongoing cooperation will contribute to advancements in education, healthcare, and technology in both Kuwait and India.
Kuwait’s energy transition & India’s role – Addressing Kuwait’s adaptation to global energy transitions, Al Kharaz sheds light on the country’s commitment to generating 25% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Kuwait is investing in solar and wind power, energy efficiency, and diversifying its economy. Recognizing India’s leadership in renewable energy, Al Kharaz sees opportunities for collaboration. He envisions Indian expertise contributing to Kuwait’s energy transition and fostering mutual growth.
Kuwait’s future: A beacon of prosperity and stability – Reflecting on Kuwait’s achievements and its role beyond its borders, Al Kharaz expresses pride in Kuwait’s history of humanitarian assistance and development cooperation. Kuwait’s generous contributions have positively impacted education, healthcare, and infrastructure in numerous countries. Looking ahead, he envisions a bright future for Kuwait, driven by a young and dynamic population, strategic investments, and a commitment to global development cooperation.
The interview with Consul General Emad Al Kharaz provides a comprehensive and insightful perspective on the deep-rooted ties between Kuwait and India, the present state of their relations, and the promising prospects for the future. The Consul General’s vision for strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural bonds underscores the enduring friendship between the two nations.
