KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah visited the Sabah Al Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity (SACGC) on Friday to review the center’s latest programs and initiatives supporting talented and creative Kuwaitis, the center said in a statement to KUNA. SACGC, a leading national platform in the fields of science, innovation and technology, has registered over 520 invention patents in global markets and achieved a 20 percent increase in commercialization rates, the statement added. T

he center, a subsidiary of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), has also forged strategic partnerships with prominent institutions to further enhance innovation and scientific advancement in the country. — KUNA

GENEVA: Kuwait’s permanent delegation to the United Nations in Geneva has reaffirmed the country’s steadfast commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and its full cooperation with all mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. The statement was delivered by Second Secretary Dr Nada Al-Dhubaib during an interactive dialogue on the report of the UN High Commissioner, held under the third item of the agenda of the Council’s 60th session.

Dr Al-Dhubaib highlighted Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to advance human rights through the implementation of its National Development Plan, New Kuwait 2035, which focuses on building a diversified and sustainable economy, empowering women and youth, promoting social justice, and improving education and healthcare services.

She also noted Kuwait’s initiatives to support small and medium enterprises, broaden social protection and ensure equal opportunities for all segments of society. Dr Al-Dhubaib emphasized that economic, social, and cultural rights are inseparable from civil and political rights, stressing the need for a fair international environment grounded in multilateral cooperation, respect for international law and non-politicization of human rights issues. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Adarsh Swaika, in his farewell address on Friday, reflected on his three-year tenure and the steady progress in strengthening India-Kuwait relations. Addressing members of the Indian community and media at the Indian Embassy, he expressed gratitude for the goodwill and cooperation that had defined his time in office.

Dr Swaika noted that many of the challenges he inherited upon assuming charge were resolved through sustained dialogue and collaboration. He highlighted the consistent appreciation he heard from Kuwait’s leadership and citizens for the Indian community, describing them as peaceful, hardworking, trustworthy and skilled. “This reputation,” he said, “is the result of generations of Indians who have earned the respect of Kuwaitis. Today’s one-million-strong community continues to benefit from that legacy.”

On bilateral relations, the envoy described the present moment as one of the finest in recent history. He attributed the progress to the goodwill of Kuwait’s leadership, the warmth of its people and the contributions of the Indian diaspora. Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait the “high point” of his tenure, Dr Swaika emphasized its significance both in substance and symbolism. “We were fortunate to receive him here. An Indian prime minister was visiting Kuwait after a gap of 43 years. It was a landmark visit,” he said. During the visit, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah conferred on Modi the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Kuwait’s highest national award. “This honor is rarely bestowed and marked a new chapter as relations were elevated to a strategic partnership,” he observed.

Key milestones

Among major achievements during his tenure, Dr Swaika highlighted the resolution of challenges faced by thousands of Indian engineers whose residence permits had been at risk. “Through persistent engagement and support from associations, this issue has now been virtually resolved,” he said. Air connectivity also saw improvement, with consultations in July leading to an agreement to expand flight seat capacity between the two countries. This, he noted, would not only improve travel options but also help lower ticket prices. Other outcomes of continuous engagement included the easing of restrictions on family visas and the removal of the mandatory use of Kuwaiti carriers.

Support of the diaspora

Dr Swaika praised the role of Indian associations in Kuwait, over 200 of which are formally registered with the embassy. He commended their contributions to cultural, social and humanitarian initiatives, describing their spirit of cooperation as “unique and commendable.” He recalled the tragic Mangaf fire earlier this year, expressing sorrow at the loss of Indian lives while appreciating the swift support of Kuwaiti authorities and Indian social workers in repatriating the mortal remains. “We could not undo the tragedy, but the timely assistance brought solace to grieving families,” he remarked.

Looking ahead

Concluding his remarks, the ambassador said it had been his honor to serve in Kuwait and to witness firsthand the strengthening of India-Kuwait ties. He urged the community to extend the same support to his successor, Ambassador-designate Paramita Tripathi. “For the first time, you will have a lady ambassador here. I hope she will receive your full cooperation, as I was fortunate to,” he said.