India, Kuwait discuss terrorism, other issues

Krishna held meetings with Kuwait Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al Ahmed Al-Sabah and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.

During the meetings, Krishna discussed with Kuwaiti leaders issues related to terrorism, developments in Pakistan and Afghanistan, energy security, Middle-East peace process, developments in Iraq and Iran, UN Security Council reforms, culture and people-to-people contact.

The Kuwaiti leaders were of the view that India should play a greater role in the international arena.

"There are no special concerns in the relationship between India and Kuwait. This is my first visit to a Gulf country after I took over. This shows the importance India attaches to Kuwait and it is necessary to keep in mind that the relationship is cordial," Krishna, who is the first External Affairs Minister to visit Kuwait in 18 years, said.

Briefing reporters on the meetings, MEA Secretary (East) V Lata Reddy told reporters that both the countries discussed the need to exchange information on how terror groups operate."The question of how the nexus exists between different groups of terrorists and how it can  be combated were discussed. These groups are not operating in isolation anymore," Reddy said.

Asked about problems faced by domestic servants from India, Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Ajay Malhotra said that they were aware of the presence of large number of Indian domestic servants working in the Gulf country.

"As far as non-applicability of labour laws in Kuwait goes, it applies to all communities not Indians alone. We had a meeting in January on this with Kuwaiti authorities.

"A delegation has come from India. This has to be taken up by the Kuwaiti Parliament and people. We have encouraged them to address this issue," Malhotra said.

Kuwait is an important trading partner for India and India-Kuwait trade was USD 8.4 billion in 2007-2008 and is estimated at USD 10.5 billion in 2009.

Indian companies are active in the petroleum and power sectors. Kuwait is an important partner in India's quest for energy security.The presence of a large concentration of Indian nationals in Kuwait is another vital aspect of bilateral ties between the two countries.