May 27, 2025: In a mind-blowing celebration of history, the ‘Rihla-e-Dosti’ exhibition in Kuwait has spotlighted the unbelievable 250-year-old friendship between India and Kuwait — a cultural connection that dates all the way back to 1775.
Set up at Kuwait’s National Library, the exhibition is a result of a unique proposal made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Gulf nation. Fahad Ghazi Alabduljaleel, President of the Kuwait Heritage Society, emphasized the shocking fact that this partnership began long before modern diplomatic relations — rooted in shared trade, language, and heritage.
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“This exhibition was born from a conversation with PM Modi,” said Alabduljaleel. “India and Kuwait have had a partnership since 1775. That’s more than two centuries of shared history, and this exhibit proves just how deep those ties run.”
The exhibition, organized by Kuwait’s National Council for Culture, Arts and Literature (NCCAL) in collaboration with the Indian Embassy, features rare and valuable documents, artifacts, and items from Kuwaiti families who once lived in Indian ports like Calicut and Kerala. These connections contributed significantly to Kuwait’s early economy.
As part of the display, panel discussions revealed untold stories from the grandchildren of Kuwaitis who lived in India, and historians shared insights into how Indian words influenced the Kuwaiti language — a detail that many attendees called a must read revelation.
One major highlight was the exploration of India-Kuwait maritime history, which played a crucial role in shaping both economies. The event brought the past to life with incredible storytelling and rare visuals.
Adding to the historic moment, an all-party Indian delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, visited the exhibition as part of their diplomatic mission. The group — which includes MPs like Asaduddin Owaisi, Nishikant Dubey, and Ghulam Nabi Azad — also addressed the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, reinforcing India’s united and verified stand against terrorism.
Panda praised Kuwait’s support for India’s position, saying, “There is tremendous support here for our message. The joint working group on counter-terrorism between our countries is seeing great progress.”
In a shocking claim, Panda added that countries like Pakistan have misused international aid, not for development, but to fuel terrorism — a message resonating strongly with leaders in the Gulf.
This exhibition is more than just a display — it’s a historic reminder of a top-tier friendship that has quietly shaped two nations for centuries. And now, the world is finally paying attention.