KUWAIT: India has launched the e-visa program for Kuwaiti nationals starting from July 13, 2025, the Indian embassy in Kuwait announced. The e-visa covers five key categories: tourism, business, medical, AYUSH/Wellness (including yoga-related travel), and conference,  Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Adarsh Swaika said during a press conference Sunday.

“The launch of the e-visa facility for Kuwaiti nationals marks a significant step towards strengthening the bonds between our two countries by making travel to India simpler, faster, and more efficient,” Ambassador Swaika said, adding that it helps enhance people-to-people ties and boost travel between India and Kuwait.

The Indian ambassador noted that the tourist e-visa is valid for up to five years, fulfilling a long-standing request from Kuwaiti travelers, saying that business visas are available for up to one year, while medical, medical attendant, and conference visas are granted for shorter, specific durations. “The entire process is online — [there is] no need to visit the visa application centers,” the ambassador said.

“You can upload documents, pay fees, and complete the application from home. Biometrics will be done upon arrival at an Indian airport.” He added, “Visa fees are affordable, with a five-year tourist visa costing just $80, and shorter-duration visas available from $40. Payments can be made via credit/debit card or online gateways.”

The launch comes at a time of deepening bilateral relations between India and Kuwait, with growing tourism, trade, and investment flows. “Direct flights connect nine cities in India, and the number of Kuwaiti tourists visiting India is rising steadily,” the Ambassador noted. He stated, “In 2024, approximately 8,000–9,000 tourist visas were issued to Kuwaiti nationals. “E-visa holders may enter India through 32 designated airports and five seaports. For those who prefer, the traditional method of obtaining a Regular/Paper Visa from the Indian Consular Application Centers (ICAC) in Kuwait will continue to be available.”

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) announced Sunday the selection of Dr Badriya Al-Hulaili, a researcher at the Institute’s Building and Energy Research Center, as a member of the scientific jury for the 2nd International Conference and Exhibition on Electrical Engineering and Energy. The prestigious event is set to take place in South Korea from March 16 to 17, 2026. In a press statement, the institute noted that Dr Al-Hulaili is the first Kuwaiti, Gulf, and Arab researcher to be awarded this international honor.

KISR emphasized that this recognition is a remarkable achievement, underscoring the high scientific caliber, practical expertise, and leadership qualities of its researchers on the global stage. The conference is expected to draw an elite group of scientists and professors from around the world, including participants from South Korea, China, several European nations and the United States. The event will serve as a platform to enhance cooperation and exchange of knowledge among researchers, academics, students, and industry experts, particularly in the fields of sustainable and renewable energy and advanced engineering technologies. Key topics to be addressed during the conference include carbon pricing, low-carbon energy policies, big data applications in energy systems, and education in energy systems. 

Discussions will also cover large-scale electronics and semiconductors, energy-related disaster preparedness, energy harvesting, and network interconnection. Additionally, the agenda includes a wide range of subjects such as energy supply systems, geothermal energy, renewable energy applications, battery and fuel cell technologies, converters and inverters, as well as carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) techniques. Other topics feature photocatalysis, nanomaterials, green energy solutions, advanced storage technologies, and solar cell innovations. – KUNA

KUWAIT: President of Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Sheikh Hmoud Mubarak Al-Hmoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah held talks Sunday with Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation Dr Sameh El-Hefny on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the civil aviation sector. The meeting, attended by Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout, focused on strengthening strategic partnerships between the two countries in air operations, technical training, and expertise exchange.

Speaking to KUNA following the meeting, Sheikh Hmoud reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Egypt, describing the partnership as strategic and long-standing. He emphasized the importance of building on the achievements made in recent years, particularly in professional and technical domains within the aviation industry.

He noted that discussions addressed a range of topics aimed at advancing airport infrastructure, modernizing the air transport system, and aligning with global standards to ensure safety and operational efficiency. He further stressed the importance of continued coordination between the relevant authorities in both countries to implement joint programs and achieve integration that serves mutual interests.

For his part, Dr El-Hefny expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s warm reception and generous hospitality, lauding the strong ties between the two countries, particularly in the civil aviation sector. He underscored the sector’s significance to both leaderships and praised the ongoing cooperation. The Egyptian minister described the meeting as a valuable opportunity to exchange views on mechanisms for advancing air transport and developing the civil aviation system through joint coordination and technical collaboration. He also highlighted the need for continued efforts in training, qualification, and long-term planning.

The two sides reviewed several issues of mutual interest, including the facilitation of air transport procedures, enhancing aviation safety and security, developing specialized training programs, and supporting sustainability initiatives in the sector. This visit comes within the framework of the robust and brotherly relations between Kuwait and Egypt. The civil aviation sector continues to witness steady coordination and fruitful cooperation in both operational and technical areas, reflecting the shared determination of both nations to further develop their aviation systems and institutional ties. — KUNA