On December 22, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Kuwait’s highest civilian honor, the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer. The award was presented by the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, during a grand ceremony at Bayan Palace in Kuwait City. This prestigious accolade recognizes PM Modi’s efforts in strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Kuwait, highlighting his contributions to global diplomacy and international cooperation.
This award adds to PM Modi’s growing list of international honors, underlining India’s rising influence on the global stage. It also underscores the strengthening of India-Kuwait relations, which have seen substantial growth in trade, diplomatic exchanges, and cooperation in various fields, including energy, technology, and defense.
The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer: An Overview
The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer is Kuwait’s highest civilian honor, established to recognize significant contributions by global leaders and dignitaries. Instituted on July 16, 1974, it is named after Mubarak Al-Sabah, also known as Mubarak the Great, the seventh ruler of Kuwait. His leadership played a crucial role in securing Kuwait’s autonomy and laying the foundation for the modern Kuwaiti state.
Mubarak the Great is often credited with securing Kuwait’s independence from the Ottoman Empire through a strategic 1899 agreement with Britain. This agreement provided Kuwait with British protection, preventing Ottoman interference and allowing the country to develop as a sovereign entity. The honor bestowed in his name reflects Kuwait’s recognition of leaders who contribute to peace, prosperity, and strong bilateral ties.
The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer is traditionally awarded to heads of state, monarchs, and distinguished foreign dignitaries. It serves as a symbol of goodwill and friendship between Kuwait and the recipients’ respective countries. Over the years, the award has been conferred upon notable global leaders, including British royalty, U.S. presidents, and high-ranking officials from various nations. The selection of PM Modi for this award is a testament to the deep respect and appreciation that Kuwait holds for India and its leadership.
Significance of the Award to PM Modi
Receiving the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer is a significant diplomatic milestone for India. It signifies Kuwait’s appreciation of PM Modi’s contributions to enhancing Indo-Kuwaiti relations, fostering economic collaboration, and reinforcing cultural ties between the two nations. The award reflects India’s growing global stature and PM Modi’s proactive diplomacy in building strong international partnerships.
This recognition also aligns with India’s broader diplomatic strategy of strengthening relations with Gulf nations. Kuwait has been a crucial partner for India, particularly in trade and energy cooperation. The Gulf region, including Kuwait, is a major source of India’s crude oil imports, making energy security a key aspect of bilateral relations. Additionally, the large Indian expatriate community in Kuwait plays an integral role in the country’s economy, further reinforcing the close ties between the two nations.
PM Modi’s receipt of the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer also marks his 20th international honor, emphasizing his influence as a global leader. Previous international awards bestowed upon PM Modi include Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Sash, the UAE’s Order of Zayed, Russia’s Order of St. Andrew, and the Legion of Merit from the United States. These accolades collectively highlight the recognition of India’s leadership in global affairs and its strategic partnerships worldwide.
India-Kuwait Relations: A Strengthening Partnership
India and Kuwait share a long history of economic and cultural exchanges, dating back centuries. Kuwait is home to a substantial Indian expatriate population, estimated to be around one million, making Indians one of the largest expatriate communities in the country. The Indian workforce has significantly contributed to Kuwait’s development across various sectors, including healthcare, education, construction, and business.
Bilateral trade between India and Kuwait has been growing steadily, with a focus on energy, infrastructure, and information technology. Kuwait is one of India’s key suppliers of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), ensuring energy security for India’s growing economy. Conversely, India exports a wide range of goods to Kuwait, including machinery, textiles, chemicals, and food products. The trade partnership between the two nations is valued in billions of dollars annually, making Kuwait an essential economic partner for India in the Gulf region.
In recent years, high-level visits and diplomatic engagements have strengthened Indo-Kuwaiti ties. In 2021, India and Kuwait signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the recruitment of Indian domestic workers, ensuring better protection and rights for Indian laborers in Kuwait. Additionally, cooperation in healthcare and technology has been on the rise, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when India supplied essential medical aid, including vaccines and medicines, to Kuwait.
PM Modi’s visit to Kuwait, during which he received the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, further cements the strong relationship between the two nations. His discussions with Kuwaiti leaders focused on expanding economic cooperation, enhancing people-to-people connections, and exploring new areas of collaboration in defense, space technology, and digital innovation. The visit also reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Gulf region and fostering enduring diplomatic partnerships.
Conclusion
The conferral of the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a landmark moment in India-Kuwait relations. It not only honors PM Modi’s leadership and contributions to global diplomacy but also reinforces the strong ties between the two nations. As India continues to expand its influence on the global stage, recognitions like this highlight the country’s growing importance in international affairs.
For Kuwait, awarding its highest honor to PM Modi signifies its appreciation for India’s role as a reliable partner in trade, energy, and diplomacy. The award further strengthens the foundation for future collaborations and deepens the mutual trust between the two countries.
As both nations look toward the future, this recognition marks a new chapter in Indo-Kuwaiti relations, with the promise of continued cooperation and shared prosperity. With India’s increasing global presence and Kuwait’s strategic importance in the Gulf, the partnership between the two nations is poised for further growth and success.
GCC Nations Transform Hospitality Growth at Arabian Travel Market 2025
