Kuwait: The enduring bond between India and Kuwait is being celebrated through a remarkable exhibition titled “Rihla - E- Dosti: 250 Years of Relations between India and Kuwait,” held at the Kuwait National Library. The event, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of India and the Kuwait Heritage Society, showcases the depth of historical and cultural connections between the two nations.
During the inauguration, Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), described the India-Kuwait relationship as a unique example of brotherhood and cultural harmony. He noted that this bond, which dates back to around 1775 when Kuwaiti ships first arrived at Indian ports, extends beyond economics into shared values, traditions, and mutual respect.
Dr. Al-Jassar highlighted how Kuwaiti traders established strong maritime and commercial ties with India, trading key goods such as dates, Arabian horses, foodstuffs, and timber. These exchanges not only enriched both economies but also forged a lasting cultural connection.
Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Adarsh Sewaka, emphasized the significance of this relationship that predates the formation of modern states. He pointed out how Kuwaiti vessels returned from Indian shores with rice, spices, textiles, and wood, creating a lifeline of trade across the Gulf region.
The exhibition features rare archival materials including photographs, documents, Arabic books printed in India, old currencies, and stamps—offering a vivid portrayal of the countries' intertwined history. Educational institutions across Kuwait are scheduled to visit, promoting awareness of the longstanding relationship among younger generations.
Organized jointly by the Embassy of India, NCCAL, Kuwait Heritage Society, National Archives of India, and India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of External Affairs, the exhibition serves as a tribute to 250 years of India-Kuwait friendship—built on trust, trade, and cultural unity.
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