By Shazia Siddiqui
In a significant move to enhance cultural ties, the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to New Delhi, H.E. Mr. Meshal Mustafa Al Shemali, recently met with Mrs. K. Nandini Singla, Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Their discussions centered on fostering stronger cooperation in the cultural, social, and educational spheres between the two nations.
During the meeting, Mrs. Singla highlighted the long-standing history of cultural, social, and educational exchanges between India and Kuwait. She stressed the importance of further strengthening and modernizing these relations, underscoring the deep-rooted bonds that unite both countries. Recognizing the historical significance of India-Kuwait cultural connections, she advocated for enhanced initiatives aimed at promoting mutual understanding and collaboration.
H.E. Mr. Meshal Mustafa Al Shemali reaffirmed the historical depth of Kuwait-India relations, emphasizing the extensive cooperation shared across multiple sectors, particularly in culture and social development. He reiterated that cultural exchanges serve as a vital bridge, deepening the ties between the people of both nations.
Reflecting on past collaborations, H.E. Mr. Al Shemali noted that the first cultural cooperation agreement between Kuwait and India was signed in 1970. More recently, during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to Kuwait in late 2024, both nations renewed the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for the period 2025-2029. This renewed agreement is expected to facilitate vibrant cultural interactions, fostering greater artistic and intellectual exchanges in the coming years.
The reaffirmation of commitment to cultural exchange between Kuwait and India signals a promising future for bilateral relations. With a strong historical foundation and continued diplomatic efforts, both countries are poised to experience enriched cultural interactions, further solidifying their friendship and cooperation for years to come.
