Kuwait has been an interesting and invigorating posting for Ambassador Ajai Malhotra, a career diplomat, who has won the hearts of both his large contingent of
countrymen and the local Kuwaiti populace.Displaying very strong diplomatic skills and efficiency in tackling issues facing the Indian community, he has never failed to use the excellent relations he had with the local authorities to resolve outstanding issues of the community.
Selflessly and tirelessly he has soldiered to further build and develop relations with the Kuwait government establishment while engaging with the Indian community. A sharp observer and keen listener, his insight and experience has played a pivotal role in identifying areas for improvement and change.
Barely a month after taking charge Ambassador Malhotra arranged the visit of the Vice-President of India, Hamid Ansari to Kuwait. Noting that such a high level visit last occurred more than 35 years ago, he realized that such visits took relations between friendly nations to new levels. Indeed, with practically the whole Kuwaiti cabinet turning up at the airport to receive the vice-president it was a diplomatic coup not witnessed by the Indian community for a long time.
The visit paved the way for renewed relations between the two nations with many MoU’s signed to further strengthen the age old friendship. The visit also enabled the ambassador to meet and develop a friendship with the leadership circle in the country. His warm and personable disposition was well received and he was instantly perceived as a dear friend.
These diplomatic “friendships” soon became the hallmark of his two years in office here. He had easy access to all the decision makers in the country and his advice was valued and welcomed at different levels. More so, Ambassador Malhotra strengthened the confidence of the community by always being available for either friendly advice or participating and supporting Indian community based activities.
During his tenure there were several visiting dignitaries such as minister of external affairs, minister of state for finance, business delegations, football teams, cultural troupes, journalists and politicians. The interaction between the two nations suddenly became more intense and prominent.During the first year of his posting here the Indian community had grown to more than 600,000 and the demands of engaging with such a diverse and dynamic group was becoming an exercise that required patience, stamina, time and effort. On occasions the Indian Ambassadors presence was required at multiple locations. He gracefully managed these irrespective of their importance and showed a keen interest in the activities on all his visits.
“If the community feels honored and happy with my presence at their functions then I feel I am duty bound and happy to honor their requests,” he always pointed out, downplaying his hectic schedule.
The Indian community has been heaped with praise by the Kuwaiti leadership for their hard work and sincere dedication. As law abiding citizens they have been preferred by their local hosts. Ambassador Malhotra’s encouragement has always been a source of inspiration and motivation for the Indian community. He has frequently used his good offices to provide timely advice and guidance on several issues.
He has accomplished most of the tasks he had set out within the first year on taking office. Labour and welfare services were vastly improved while passport services were outsourced.
The overcrowding at the embassy which had become the norm quickly thinned down. Two private centers were set up to service the needs of the vast Indian community.Relief for labor and domestics was also one area Ambassador Malhotra took a keen and compassion interest in. Quickly reviewing recruitment procedures, making them more favorable to labor and also raising minimum wages, keeping in mind the rising cost of living. Clearly this has and will further reduce labor related issues for the community in the future.
Working closely with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, Ambassador Malhotra’s has been instrumental in persuading the local government with labor friendly policies. Today, the Indian Embassy safe house for run-away maids serves as a role model for other embassies in the country and also for Indian embassies in the region.
It has not always been an easy task, given that he had to work within the limitations of Various factors. Changing mindsets has never been easy, but his steely grit and determination to genuinely bring about a change made the difference. His calm perseverance has always kept him on course to achieve his objectives.
There were many instances, like during the Diwali celebrations last year, when only his personal intervention at the highest level, came to the rescue of Indian nationals. Similarly, when power shutdowns affected community members residing in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh during the height of summer, he went out of his way to ensure their requirements were met. He never declined to support, participate or engage with the community at any instance. Ambassador Malhotra’s earnest and sincere efforts always paid off when dealing with complicated issues.
Whether it was politics, business, culture or sports diplomacy Ambassador Malhotra handled these duties with an ease and comfort few can emulate. The Festival of India in Kuwait was among the crowning achievements of his tenure. The first ever one-week Festival of India in Kuwait was a masterpiece showcasing a culturally rich and diverse heritage by providing glimpses of performing arts and visual arts from all over India. For the very first time, residents of Kuwait a witnessed a cultural extravaganza on such a grand scale.Ambassador Malhotra also went out of his way to organize a number of local journalist trips to India, which received wide media coverage in both English and Arabic press.
While he comes across as a serious and reserved diplomat, his amicable personality and exuberance is quickly reflected in all his interactions. People who had the opportunity to deal with him at closer levels are quick to point to his compassion and sensitive side and his sincere efforts to help those in need.
It is obvious that the support and encouragement of his charming wife Mrs Ira Malhotra has not gone unnoticed. Her strong presence alongside has made them among the most popular couples in diplomatic circles while in her own right she has patronized social activities in Indian and international women associations.
He will be fondly remembered as a friend and mentor of the community who did his best and made his country and countrymen proud of him having also raised India-Kuwait linkages to a qualitively new level. Kuwait’s loss will surely be Russia’s gain.
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