Kuwait Hosts ‘Rihla-e-Dosti’ Exhibition Celebrating 250 Years of India-Kuwait Friendship
Marking 250 years of enduring friendship between India and Kuwait, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, in collaboration with the National Center for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), inaugurated a five-day exhibition and talk series titled ‘Rihla-e-Dosti: 250 Years of India-Kuwait Friendship’ at the National Library of Kuwait.
A Tribute to Centuries of Cultural and Trade Relations:
The event was jointly inaugurated by Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, and NCCAL Director General, Mohammad Al-Jassar, in the presence of dignitaries and cultural representatives. The exhibition showcased an impressive collection of rare artefacts, manuscripts, Indian currency, historic photographs, books, stamps, and images of prominent Indian and Kuwaiti leaders, highlighting the shared heritage and long-standing ties between the two nations.
Curated by Heritage Experts with Deep Cultural Roots:
The main curator of the exhibition, Fahad AbdulJaleel, President of the Kuwait Heritage Society, brought together historical materials and narratives from both nations. A commemorative booklet featuring selected photographs from the exhibition was released during the opening ceremony.
The event was supported by:
- Kuwait Heritage Society
- National Archives of India
- External Publicity Division, Ministry of External Affairs, India
- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India
Panel Discussion Highlights Historical Trade and Migration:
A key feature of the exhibition was a panel discussion featuring prominent Kuwaiti merchant families, including Ibrahim Abdullatif Al-Ibrahim, Suliman Abdulmohsen Al-Khames, and Abdullatif Abdulrazza, who shared personal stories and ancestral connections with India dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Cultural Exchange and Trade Ties in Focus:
In his address, DG NCCAL Mohammad Al-Jassar emphasized the unique cultural exchange and mutual respect that have defined India-Kuwait relations. He recalled Kuwait’s historic trade voyage to India in 1775, which laid the foundation for a thriving trade network that linked Indian ports to Arabian Gulf markets. He also highlighted how Kuwaiti families lived and worked in Indian port cities, exporting key commodities such as food, textiles, and timber.
Ambassador Adarsh Swaika echoed these sentiments, noting that the exhibition not only commemorates historical ties but also aims to educate younger generations in both countries about their shared legacy. He praised the growth in economic and cultural cooperation, and celebrated the early commercial journeys that began with Kuwaiti ships carrying dates, pearls, and household goods to Indian shores.