SEPTEMBER 20258INDIA, KUWAIT DEEPEN BILATERAL TIES ACROSS TRADE, DEFENCE, ENERGYSUZUKI NAMES INDIA GLOBAL HUB FOR E VITARA EV PRODUCTIONIndia and Kuwait are looking into great possibilities to increase bilateral cooperation in areas of trade, defensive and energy. The seventh instalment of Foreign Office Consultations, in Delhi on August 26, 2025, was aimed at intensifying strategic ties with the potential to boost industrial growth, investment and technology collaboration between the two countries.The consultations were chaired by Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs Toshihiro Suzuki, president of Suzuki Motor Corporation, has announced that India will serve as the world's manufacturing center for the company's next electric SUV, the e Vitara. The statement emphasizes how important India is to Suzuki's global EV ambitions."India has progressed in policy and investment to the point where it stands shoulder to shoulder with the world market," Suzuki said while addressing an industry forum. (MEA) and Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat, Assistant Foreign minister of Asia Affairs in Kuwait. Both parties have made a thorough review of the existing relationships and reinforced the significance of economic and industrial collaboration.Areas that were addressed in key included political involvement, trade and investment opportunities, defence ties, the energy sector, and partnerships in the culture, as well as people-to-people relations.Aseem R Mahajan remarked, "The discussions have set a roadmap for joint economic initiatives and strategic collaboration, underlining our commitment to further deepen relations."In the meeting, it was noted that the Joint Working groups under the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) will be held as soon as possible on the basis of an already laid framework during the visit of Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to Kuwait in December 2024. The consultations reflected the historic, multidimensional relationship that Kuwait and India share with more than one million Indians in Kuwait.Industry experts feel that the deepened partnership can increase trade levels, investment in energy and infrastructure, and trade in defence technologies. Both Kuwait and India are in a position to utilize this cooperation towards sustainable industrial production and a long-term strategic perspective. "The e Vitara made here will be exported to more than 100 countries -- including Japan and nations across Europe. This demonstrates the capability of Indian manufacturing to meet the highest global standards." The comment is especially significant given Japan's previous hesitation to import cars from outside of its country.The fact that India will be the export base of an electric model, and that model will be sent to Japan is viewed as an affirmation of local manufacturing quality. The carmaker also revealed an investment of 70,000 crore in India, over the next 5 to 6 years. The acceptance of Europe adds even more credibility, showing that India can meet strict safety, design, and sustainability thresholds.Suzuki emphasized that the corporation is relying on India to spearhead its shift to clean mobility, going beyond traditional automobiles. He mentioned full electrification, biofuels, hybrid systems, and ethanol as components of the roadmap. "India will remain in the forefront of Suzuki's goals to attain carbon reduction and sustainable growth over the next five to six years," he stated. India's position as Suzuki's biggest market, its global center for EV manufacture, and a key player in the company's low-emission future is solidified by the e Vitara export program. TOP STORIESTOP STORIESTOP STORIES
< Page 7 | Page 9 >