KUWAIT: MP Baijayant Panda, head of a visiting Indian parliamentary delegation, praised Kuwait’s diplomatic role and steadfast efforts in promoting peace and resolving conflicts, describing the country as “a model to be emulated for making the world a better place”. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Panda highlighted Kuwait’s credibility and influential presence on the international stage, particularly in advancing regional and global peace. He emphasized that the collaboration between India and Kuwait is built on shared values and a long history of friendship.

He commended Kuwait for its leadership at the Dushanbe Counter-Terrorism Conference and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in security and defense. Discussions between the Indian parliamentary delegation and Kuwaiti officials also focused on new joint initiatives to combat terrorism, with India expressing appreciation for Kuwait’s swift condemnation of the recent attacks in Kashmir.

Panda noted the shared experiences of India and Kuwait as victims of terrorism and reiterated India’s dedication to enhancing counterterrorism cooperation, building on agreements made during the Dushanbe conference, which Kuwait chaired. “We discussed with our Kuwaiti counterparts new initiatives to enhance security and counterterrorism cooperation. We found a strong and sincere interest on the Kuwaiti side. This was also reflected in the joint committee meetings chaired by the foreign ministersvof both countries last year,” he said.

Clarifying India’s position toward Pakistan, Panda stated: “We have no hostility toward the Pakistani people. But we are ready to build constructive relations only if Pakistan adopts a strategy based on peace and mutual respect.” He explained that India has shifted its approach in recent years, favoring direct responses to terrorist threats over prolonged diplomacy. The new strategy includes economic sanctions related to trade, maritime activity, water access and visas — measures intended to deter state-sponsored terrorism.

He stressed that there is no tolerance for terrorism, regardless of the country or context, adding that while global challenges remain, the critical difference lies in the intent and use of terrorism as a policy tool. On the Palestinian issue, Panda reiterated India’s unwavering support for a two-state solution as the cornerstone of a peaceful resolution, noting that India continues to allocate budgetary aid for economic assistance in Gaza and the West Bank.

Beyond security matters, the delegation emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between India and Kuwait, founded on centuries of trade, cultural exchange, and shared history. A symbolic visit to the National Library of Kuwait — currently showcasing 250 years of documented Indo-Kuwaiti relations — was described as a highlight of the visit.

The delegation, which arrived in Kuwait two days ago and concluded its visit on Tuesday, includes members from a broad spectrum of Indian political parties, both government and opposition, representing all regions and languages of India. Panda noted that this diversity reflects India’s robust democratic ethos. Kuwait is the second stop in the delegation’s four-nation diplomatic tour, part of India’s broader initiative to deepen engagement with key global partners and enhance international cooperation on security and counterterrorism.