Mera Saansad
Search Search
Marathi language

We are at the global frontiers of achievements in science and technology: PM Modi

Published By : Admin | January 3, 2016 | 11:37 IST
PM Modi delivers inaugural address at the 103rd Indian Science Congress at the University of Mysore
PM Modi releases 103rd ISC Plenary Proceedings, and the Technology Vision 2035 document, gives away the ISCA Awards for 2015-16
The world has progressed because of human instinct to enquire & explore for knowledge but also to address human challenges: PM Modi
Dr. Kalam’s was a life of outstanding scientific achievements; and his was a heart of boundless compassion and concern for humanity: PM
For Dr. Kalam, the highest purpose of science was transformation of the life of the weak, the under-privileged and the youth: PM
Dr. Kalam’s life’s mission was a self-reliant and a self-assured India that was strong and cared for its people: PM Modi
For me, good governance is about integrating science and technology into the choices we make and the strategies we pursue: PM Modi
Our digital networks are expanding the quality and reach of public services and social benefits for the poor: PM Modi
We are launching Startup India that will encourage innovation and enterprise, says PM at 103rd Indian Science Congress
We will try to increase the level of resources for science, and deploy them in accordance with our strategic priorities: PM Narendra Modi
We will make it easier to do science and research in India, improve science administration: PM
Innovation must not be just the goal of our science. Innovation must also drive the scientific process: PM Modi
We need innovation to make renewable energy much cheaper; more reliable; and, easier to connect to transmission grids: PM Modi
We must also make fossil fuel like coal cleaner and more efficient: PM Narendra Modi
We must also address the rising challenges of rapid urbanisation. This will be critical for a sustainable world: PM
Cities are the major engines of economic growth, employment opportunities and prosperity: PM Narendra Modi
A sustainable future for this planet will depend not only on what we do on land, but also on how we treat our oceans: PM Modi
River is the soul of Nature. Their renewal must be an element of a larger effort to sustain Nature: PM
We are at the global frontiers of achievements in science and technology: PM Modi
Economy, Environment, Energy, Empathy, Equity... 5 Es at the centre of enquiry and engineering: PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today delivered the inaugural address at the 103rd Indian Science Congress at the University of Mysore. The theme of this year’s Congress is “Science and Technology for Indigenous Development in India.”

The Prime Minister released the 103rd ISC Plenary Proceedings, and the Technology Vision 2035 document. He gave away the ISCA Awards for 2015-16.

Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s address:

Governor of Karnataka Shri Vajubhai Vala
Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah
My cabinet colleagues, Dr Harsh Vardhan and Shri Y.S.Chowdary
Bharat Ratna Professor C.N.R. Rao
Prof A.K.Saxena;
Prof. K.S. Rangappa,
Nobel Laureates and Field Medalist
Distinguished scientists and delegates,

It is a great pleasure to begin the year in the company of leaders of science and technology from India and the world.

For our confidence about the future of India comes from our faith in you.

It is a huge honour and privilege to address the 103rd Science Congress in the centenary year of the University of Mysore.

Some of the tallest leaders of India have passed through the doors of this respected institution.

The great philosopher and India’s second President Dr. Radhakrishnan and Bharat Ratna Professor CNR Rao are among them.

The history of the Science Congress and the University of Mysore began around the same time.

It was the time of a new awakening in India. It sought not just freedom, but also human advancement in India.

It wanted not just an independent India, but an India that could stand independently on the strength of its human resources, scientific capabilities and industrial development.

This university is a testimony to the vision of a great generation of Indians.

Now, we have launched yet another revolution of empowerment and opportunities in India.

And, we are once again turning to our scientists and innovators to realize our goals of human welfare and economic development.

The world has progressed because of human instinct to enquire and explore for knowledge but also to address human challenges.

No one reflected this spirit more than late President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

His was a life of outstanding scientific achievements; and, his was a heart of boundless compassion and concern for humanity.

For him, the highest purpose of science was the transformation of the life of the weak, the under-privileged and the youth.

And, his life’s mission was a self-reliant and a self-assured India that was strong and cared for its people.

Your theme for this Congress is a fitting tribute to his vision.

And, it is leaders like Professor Rao and President Kalam, and scientists like you, who have placed India at the forefront of science and technology in many areas.

Our success spans from the core of the tiny atom to the vast frontier of space. We have enhanced food and health security; and, we have given hope for a better life to others in the world.

As we increase the level of our ambition for our people, we will also have to increase the scale of our efforts.

So, for me, good governance is not just about policy and decision making, transparency and accountability. It is also about integrating science and technology into the choices we make and the strategies we pursue.

Our digital networks are expanding the quality and reach of public services and social benefits for the poor. And, in the first ever National Space Conference, we identified 170 applications that touch almost every aspect of governance, development and conservation.

We are launching Startup India that will encourage innovation and enterprise. We are creating technology incubators in academic institutions. And, I have asked for a framework of Scientific Audit for scientific departments and institutions in the government.

It is with the same spirit of cooperative federalism that is shaping centre-state relations in every area, that I am encouraging greater scientific collaboration between Central and State institutions and agencies.

We will also try to increase the level of resources for science, and deploy them in accordance with our strategic priorities,

We will make it easier to do science and research in India, improve science administration, and expand the supply and improve the quality of science education and research in India.

At the same time, innovation must not be just the goal of our science. Innovation must also drive the scientific process. Frugal innovation and crowd sourcing are examples of efficient and effective scientific enterprise.

And, innovation in approach is not just the obligation of the government, but also the responsibility of the private sector and the academia. 

In a world of resource constraints and competing claims, we have to be smart in defining our priorities. And, it is especially important in India, where challenges are many and the scale is enormous – from health and hunger to energy and economy.

Distinguished delegates,

Today, I wanted to speak to you about one of the biggest challenges for the world, and one that dominated global attention last year –to define a path to a more prosperous future for our world and a more sustainable future for our planet.

In 2015, the world took two historic steps.

Last September, the United Nations adopted the Development Agenda for 2030. It places elimination of poverty by the end of 2030 and economic development at the top of our priorities, but with equal emphasis on sustainability of our environment and our habitats.

And, last November in Paris, the world came together to craft a historic agreement to change the course of our planet.

But, we achieved something else that is equally important.

We succeeded in bringing innovation and technology to the heart of the climate change discourse.

We were consistent in our message that it is not enough to speak of targets and restraints. It is essential to find solutions that help us transition easily to a future of clean energy.

I also said in Paris that innovation is important not just for combating climate change, but also for climate justice. For, the developed world must leave enough of the little carbon space left for developing countries to grow.

For this, we need research and innovation to make clean energy technology available, accessible and affordable for all.

At Paris, President Hollande, President Obama and I joined a number of global leaders for an Innovation Summit.

 

We pledged to double national investments in innovation; and, build a global partnership that combines the responsibility of governments with the innovative capacity of the private sector. 

I also suggested an international network of 30-40 universities and labs focusing for next ten years on transforming the way we produce, distribute and consume energy. We will also pursue this in G 20.

We need innovation to make renewable energy much cheaper; more reliable; and, easier to connect to transmission grids.

This is especially critical for India to achieve our target of adding 175 GW of renewable generation by 2022.

We must also make fossil fuel like coal cleaner and more efficient. And, we should tap newer sources of renewable energy, from ocean waves to geothermal energy.

At a time when energy sources that fueled the industrial age have put our planet in peril, and, as the developing world now seeks to lift billions of people into prosperity, the world must turn to Sun to power our future.

So, at Paris, India launched an International Solar Alliance to forge a partnership between solar-rich countries.

We need science and technology not just to make clean energy an integral part of our existence, but also to combat the impact of climate change on our lives.

We have to develop climate resilient agriculture. We must understand the impact of climate change on our weather, biodiversity, glaciers, and oceans; and, how to adjust to them. We must strengthen our ability to forecast natural disasters.

Distinguished delegates,

We must also address the rising challenges of rapid urbanisation. This will be critical for a sustainable world.

For the first time in human history, we are in an urban century. By the middle of this century, two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities. A little less than 3.0 billion people will join the existing 3.5 billion urban dwellers. And, 90% of the increase will come from developing countries.

Many urban clusters in Asia will exceed the population of mid-sized countries elsewhere in the world.

More than 50% of India will be living in urban habitats by 2050. And, by 2025, India may already have more than 10% of the global urban population.

Studies suggest that nearly 40% of the global urban population lives in informal settlements, or slums, where they face a range of health and nutritional challenges.

Cities are the major engines of economic growth, employment opportunities and prosperity.

But, cities account for more than two-thirds of global energy demand and result in up to 80% of global greenhouse gas emission.

That is why I have placed so much emphasis on smart cities.

It is not just about cities that are networked to become more efficient, safe and better in delivery of services. It is also a vision of sustainable cities that are both locomotives of our economies and havens of healthy living.

We will need sound policies to achieve our goals, but we will rely on science and technology to provide creative solutions.

We must develop better scientific tools to improve city planning with sensitivity to local ecology and heritage; and, reduce the demand for transportation, improve mobility and reduce congestion.

Much of our urban infrastructure is yet to be built. We must maximise the use of local material with scientific improvements; and, and make buildings more energy efficient. 

We have to find affordable and practical solutions for solid waste management; converting waste into building material and energy; and, recycling waste water.

Urban agriculture and ecology should get more attention. And, our children must breathe cleaner city air. And, we need solutions that are comprehensive and rooted in science and innovation.

We need your inputs to make our cities more immune to the consequences of natural disasters and our homes more resilient. This will also mean making retrofit of buildings affordable.

Distinguished delegates,

A sustainable future for this planet will depend not only on what we do on land, but also on how we treat our oceans.

Oceans occupy more than 70% of our planet; and, over 40% of humanity and 60% of the world’s largest cities are found within 100 kilometers of the coast.

We are at the cusp of a new era, where oceans will become important drivers of our economies. Their sustainable use can bring prosperity; and, give us clean energy, new medicines and food security beyond just fisheries.

That is why I refer to the Small Island States as Large Ocean States.

Ocean is critical to India’s future, too, with over 1300 islands, a 7500 km coastline and 2.4 million square kilometers of Exclusive Economic Zone.

That is why, in the past year, we have increased our focus on ocean or blue economy. We will raise the level of our scientific efforts in marine science.

We will set up an advanced centre of research in marine biology and biotechnology and establish a network of coastal and island research stations in India and abroad.

We have entered into agreements on marine science and ocean economy with several countries. We will also hold an International Conference on “Ocean economy and Pacific Island Countries” in New Delhi in 2016.

Distinguished delegates,

Rivers have played as important a role in human history as oceans. Civilisations have been nurtured by rivers. And, rivers will remain critical for our future.

So, revival of rivers is an essential part of my commitment for a cleaner and healthier future for our society, economic opportunities for our people, and renewal of our heritage. 

We need regulations, policy, investments and management to achieve our objective. But, we will succeed only when we integrate technology, engineering and innovation into our efforts, not just to clean our rivers now but to keep them healthy in the future as well.

For this, we also need scientific understanding of the impact of urbanisation, farming, industrialisation and groundwater use and contamination on the river eco-system.

River is the soul of Nature. Their renewal must be an element of a larger effort to sustain Nature.

In India, we see humanity as part of Nature, not outside or superior to it, and divinity manifested in Nature's diverse forms.

So, conservation is rooted in the natural instincts of our culture and tradition, and in our commitment to the future.

India has a rich heritage of ecological knowledge. We have scientific institutions and human resources to mount concerted national action on conservation of Nature that is rooted firmly in scientific studies and methods.

Distinguished delegates, 

And, if we wish to restore the harmony between human and Nature, we must also harness the full potential of traditional knowledge.

Societies across the world have developed this enormous wealth through wisdom gathered over the ages.

And, they hold the secrets to economic, efficient, and, environment friendly solutions to many of our problems.

But, today they are at risk of extinction in our globalised world.

Like traditional knowledge, science has also evolved through human experiences and exploration of Nature. So, we must recognize that science, as we see it, does not constitute the only form of empirical knowledge about the world.

And, we must bridge the distance between traditional knowledge and modern science, so that we can craft local and more sustainable solutions for our challenges.

So, in agriculture, even as we seek to make our farms yield more, reduce the intensity of our water use, or increase the nutrient content of our farm output,

we should also integrate traditional techniques, local practices and organic farming to make our agriculture less resource intensive and more resilient.

And, in the area of health, modern medicines have transformed healthcare. But, we must also use scientific techniques and methods to delve deeper into traditional medicines and practices like Yoga for more holistic lifestyle and change our paradigm from treatment to wellness.

This is especially important in dealing with growing challenge of lifestyle diseases that take a huge toll in terms of human lives and economic costs.

Distinguished delegates,

As a nation we still inhabit many worlds.

We are at the global frontiers of achievements in science and technology.

We also see the uncertainty and despair of many living at the edge of existence, looking for a life of hope, opportunity, dignity and equity.

We must meet these aspirations at a speed and on a scale that is rare in human history.

And, from the richness of our tradition, the consciousness of our age and the strength of our commitment to our world, we must choose the most sustainable path possible.

The success of one-sixth of humanity will also mean a more prosperous and a sustainable future for the world.

We can only do this with your leadership and support.



We will realise it when, in the words of Vikram Sarabhai, “we encourage scientists to interest themselves in problems outside their fields of specialization.”

And, the impact of science will be the most when scientists and technologists will keep the principles of what I call Five Es at the centre of their enquiry and engineering:

Economy – when we find cost effective and efficient solutions

Environment – when our carbon footprint is the lightest and the impact on the ecology is the least possible

Energy – when our prosperity relies less on energy; and the energy we use keeps our skies blue and our earth green.

Empathy – when our efforts are in tune with our culture, circumstances and social challenges.

Equity – when science advances inclusive development and improves the welfare of the weakest.

This year we mark a hundred years of a significant moment in the history of science, when Albert Einstein published in 1916 “The Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity”. Today, we must recall the humanism that defined his thought: “Concern for man himself and his fate must always form the chief interest of all technical endeavours. “

Nothing can be a higher duty for us, whether we are in public life, or we are private citizens, and whether we are in business or explore science, than to leave the planet in a better state for our future generations.

Let the different disciplines of science, technology and engineering unite behind this common purpose.

Thank you.

Login or Register to add your comment
Explore More
78 व्या स्वातंत्र्य दिनी, पंतप्रधान नरेंद्र मोदी यांनी लाल किल्याच्या तटावरून केलेले संबोधन

लोकप्रिय भाषण

78 व्या स्वातंत्र्य दिनी, पंतप्रधान नरेंद्र मोदी यांनी लाल किल्याच्या तटावरून केलेले संबोधन
View All
Snacks, Laughter And More, PM Modi's Candid Moments With Indian Workers In Kuwait

Media Coverage

Snacks, Laughter And More, PM Modi's Candid Moments With Indian Workers In Kuwait
View All
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
Download App
...
Joint Statement: Official visit of Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India to Kuwait (December 21-22, 2024)
December 22, 2024

At the invitation of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Kuwait on 21-22 December 2024. This was his first visit to Kuwait. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait on 21 December 2024 as the ‘Guest of Honour’ of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Bayan Palace on 22 December 2024 and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed his deep appreciation to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for conferring on him the highest award of the State of Kuwait ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’. The leaders exchanged views on bilateral, global, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

Given the traditional, close and friendly bilateral relations and desire to deepen cooperation in all fields, the two leaders agreed to elevate the relations between India and Kuwait to a ‘Strategic Partnership’. The leaders stressed that it is in line with the common interests of the two countries and for the mutual benefit of the two peoples. Establishment of a strategic partnership between both countries will further broad-base and deepen our long-standing historical ties.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait. In light of the newly established strategic partnership, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations through comprehensive and structured cooperation in key areas, including political, trade, investment, defence, security, energy, culture, education, technology and people-to-people ties.

The two sides recalled the centuries-old historical ties rooted in shared history and cultural affinities. They noted with satisfaction the regular interactions at various levels which have helped in generating and sustaining the momentum in the multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized on sustaining the recent momentum in high-level exchanges through regular bilateral exchanges at Ministerial and senior-official levels.

The two sides welcomed the recent establishment of a Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC) between India and Kuwait. The JCC will be an institutional mechanism to review and monitor the entire spectrum of the bilateral relations between the two countries and will be headed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. To further expand our bilateral cooperation across various fields, new Joint Working Groups (JWGs) have been set up in areas of trade, investments, education and skill development, science and technology, security and counter-terrorism, agriculture, and culture, in addition to the existing JWGs on Health, Manpower and Hydrocarbons. Both sides emphasized on convening the meetings of the JCC and the JWGs under it at an early date.

Both sides noted that trade has been an enduring link between the two countries and emphasized on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. They also emphasized on the need for promoting exchange of business delegations and strengthening institutional linkages.

Recognizing that the Indian economy is one of the fastest growing emerging major economies and acknowledging Kuwait’s significant investment capacity, both sides discussed various avenues for investments in India. The Kuwaiti side welcomed steps taken by India in making a conducive environment for foreign direct investments and foreign institutional investments, and expressed interest to explore investment opportunities in different sectors, including technology, tourism, healthcare, food-security, logistics and others. They recognized the need for closer and greater engagement between investment authorities in Kuwait with Indian institutions, companies and funds. They encouraged companies of both countries to invest and participate in infrastructure projects. They also directed the concerned authorities of both countries to fast-track and complete the ongoing negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Both sides discussed ways to enhance their bilateral partnership in the energy sector. While expressing satisfaction at the bilateral energy trade, they agreed that potential exists to further enhance it. They discussed avenues to transform the cooperation from a buyer-seller relationship to a comprehensive partnership with greater collaboration in upstream and downstream sectors. Both sides expressed keenness to support companies of the two countries to increase cooperation in the fields of exploration and production of oil and gas, refining, engineering services, petrochemical industries, new and renewable energy. Both sides also agreed to discuss participation by Kuwait in India's Strategic Petroleum Reserve Programme.

Both sides agreed that defence is an important component of the strategic partnership between India and Kuwait. The two sides welcomed the signing of the MoU in the field of Defence that will provide the required framework to further strengthen bilateral defence ties, including through joint military exercises, training of defence personnel, coastal defence, maritime safety, joint development and production of defence equipment.

The two sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, and dismantling of terror infrastructure. Expressing appreciation of their ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of security, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes. The two sides discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. The Indian side praised the results of the fourth high-level conference on "Enhancing International Cooperation in Combating Terrorism and Building Resilient Mechanisms for Border Security - The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process," which was hosted by the State of Kuwait on November 4-5, 2024.

Both sides acknowledged health cooperation as one of the important pillars of bilateral ties and expressed their commitment to further strengthen collaboration in this important sector. Both sides appreciated the bilateral cooperation during the COVID- 19 pandemic. They discussed the possibility of setting up of Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Kuwait. They also expressed their intent to strengthen cooperation in the field of medical products regulation in the ongoing discussions on an MoU between the drug regulatory authorities.

The two sides expressed interest in pursuing deeper collaboration in the area of technology including emerging technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. They discussed avenues to explore B2B cooperation, furthering e-Governance, and sharing best practices for facilitating industries/companies of both countries in the policies and regulation in the electronics and IT sector.

The Kuwaiti side also expressed interest in cooperation with India to ensure its food-security. Both sides discussed various avenues for collaboration including investments by Kuwaiti companies in food parks in India.

The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s decision to become a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a significant step towards collaboration in developing and deploying low-carbon growth trajectories and fostering sustainable energy solutions. Both sides agreed to work closely towards increasing the deployment of solar energy across the globe within ISA.

Both sides noted the recent meetings between the civil aviation authorities of both countries. The two sides discussed the increase of bilateral flight seat capacities and associated issues. They agreed to continue discussions in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution at an early date.

Appreciating the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for 2025-2029, which will facilitate greater cultural exchanges in arts, music, and literature festivals, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment on further enhancing people to people contacts and strengthening the cultural cooperation.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Executive Program on Cooperation in the Field of Sports for 2025-2028. which will strengthen cooperation in the area of sports including mutual exchange and visits of sportsmen, organising workshops, seminars and conferences, exchange of sports publications between both nations.

Both sides highlighted that education is an important area of cooperation including strengthening institutional linkages and exchanges between higher educational institutions of both countries. Both sides also expressed interest in collaborating on Educational Technology, exploring opportunities for online learning platforms and digital libraries to modernize educational infrastructure.

As part of the activities under the MoU between Sheikh Saud Al Nasser Al Sabah Kuwaiti Diplomatic Institute and the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), both sides welcomed the proposal to organize the Special Course for diplomats and Officers from Kuwait at SSIFS in New Delhi.

Both sides acknowledged that centuries old people-to-people ties represent a fundamental pillar of the historic India-Kuwait relationship. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed deep appreciation for the role and contribution made by the Indian community in Kuwait for the progress and development of their host country, noting that Indian citizens in Kuwait are highly respected for their peaceful and hard-working nature. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conveyed his appreciation to the leadership of Kuwait for ensuring the welfare and well-being of this large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait.

The two sides stressed upon the depth and importance of long standing and historical cooperation in the field of manpower mobility and human resources. Both sides agreed to hold regular meetings of Consular Dialogue as well as Labour and Manpower Dialogue to address issues related to expatriates, labour mobility and matters of mutual interest.

The two sides appreciated the excellent coordination between both sides in the UN and other multilateral fora. The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s entry as ‘dialogue partner’ in SCO during India’s Presidency of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2023. The Indian side also appreciated Kuwait’s active role in the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). The Kuwaiti side highlighted the importance of making the necessary efforts to explore the possibility of transforming the ACD into a regional organisation.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated His Highness the Amir on Kuwait’s assumption of the Presidency of GCC this year and expressed confidence that the growing India-GCC cooperation will be further strengthened under his visionary leadership. Both sides welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in Riyadh on 9 September 2024. The Kuwaiti side as the current Chair of GCC assured full support for deepening of the India-GCC cooperation under the recently adopted Joint Action Plan in areas including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, culture, amongst others. Both sides also stressed the importance of early conclusion of the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

In the context of the UN reforms, both leaders emphasized the importance of an effective multilateral system, centered on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for the UN reforms, including of the Security Council through expansion in both categories of membership, to make it more representative, credible and effective.

The following documents were signed/exchanged during the visit, which will further deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship as well as open avenues for newer areas of cooperation:● MoU between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Defence.

● Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Kuwait for the years 2025-2029.

● Executive Programme between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Sports for 2025-2028 between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and Public Authority for Youth and Sports, Government of the State of Kuwait.

● Kuwait’s membership of International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi thanked His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. The visit reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Kuwait. The leaders expressed optimism that this renewed partnership would continue to grow, benefiting the people of both countries and contributing to regional and global stability. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also invited His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait to visit India.