IBPC Kuwait Celebrates Annual Function & Awards Night, Honoring Excellence Across Business and Professional Communities
IBPC Kuwait Celebrates Annual Function & Awards Night, Honoring Excellence Across Business and Professional Communities
The Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) Kuwait hosted its prestigious Annual Function & Awards Night 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria on 12th November bringing together business leaders, industry influencers, diplomats, and distinguished professionals from across Kuwait.
The event celebrated outstanding achievements and underscored the significant contributions of Indian and Kuwaiti businesses and professionals to the country’s economy.
Kaizar Shakir, Chairman of IBPC, described the gathering as one of the organization’s most important events of the year — “a platform to recognize excellence, foster collaboration, and strengthen engagement between the Indian community and Kuwait’s business ecosystem.”
The evening featured an awards ceremony honoring achievements across multiple categories, keynote addresses by eminent businessmen and government leaders.
The event was graced by H.E. Paramita Tripathi, Ambassador of India to Kuwait, as Chief Guest, and Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of global IT giant HCLTech, as Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker. On behalf of H.E. Khalifa Abdullah Al-Ajil, Honorable Minister of Commerce, Abdulla Alherz , Director of the International Relations Department, at MOCI conveyed his best wishes and greetings.
The event began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries including Vice Chairman Gaurav Oberoi, Joint Secretary Sunit Arora and Treasurer Krishen Suryakanth.
In his welcome address Suresh K.P., IBPC Secretary, noted that the annual function reflects the council’s ongoing commitment to “empowering professionals and entrepreneurs, celebrating their role in Kuwait’s economic growth, and strengthening the enduring friendship between India and Kuwait.” He added that the event provided a valuable forum for networking, professional development, and showcasing innovation within the Indian business community.
The council also highlighted key achievements of its members and showcased successful Indo-Kuwaiti collaborations, reinforcing IBPC Kuwait’s role as a leading organization representing Indian entrepreneurs and professionals.
Marking the 24th Annual Day of IBPC Kuwait, Chairman Kaizar Shakir in his address reflected on the organization’s journey and the start of its Silver Jubilee Year — “a milestone symbolizing resilience, relevance, and the strong relationships we have built over time.”
Elaborating he said “from modest beginnings, IBPC has grown into a dynamic platform connecting India’s business and professional communities with Kuwait, fostering dialogue, partnerships, and shared values that continue to shape a promising future.
“Looking ahead to our 25th year, IBPC is committed to hosting 25 meaningful events that strengthen trade, investment, entrepreneurship, culture, education, innovation, and people-to-people ties — the true foundation of the Indo-Kuwait relationship,” he added.
In conclusion he said that IBPC were guided by the integrity and excellence of their members, and with the support of the Government of Kuwait, the Indian Embassy, partners, and well-wishers, IBPC would continue building bridges of opportunity, collaboration, and mutual respect between our two nations.”
In her address to the gathering Indian Ambassador H E Paramita Tripathi congratulated IBPC on their 24th Annual Day celebrations and commended their role in deepening business and economic relations between India and Kuwait
During the awards night, IBPC Kuwait also honored several distinguished individuals for their outstanding achievements and dedicated service to the community — recognizing excellence in business leadership, philanthropy, healthcare, media, and efforts to strengthen Indo-Kuwaiti relations.
The 10 awardees included:
Fouad M.T. AlghanimChairman, Fouad Alghanim & Sons Group was honoured for his stellar achievements in philanthropy, entrepreneurship and service to society. The Group is one of Kuwait’s prominent and diversified conglomerates with over 30 subsidiaries operating across the Middle East, Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, Africa, and Australia.
Sunny Bhatia,Group CFO, KIPCO and recognized among Forbes Middle East’s Top Indian Executives was honoured for his exemplary contributions to advancing goodwill, cooperation and development between India and Kuwait.
Laila Abdullah Alghanim, a distinguished Kuwaiti businesswoman, leader, and philanthropist whose visionary contributions have significantly advanced both the economic and humanitarian spheres across the Arab world. She was honoured for her exceptional achievements and humanitarian spirit epitomizing the true essence of an outstanding leader, philanthropist, and businesswoman dedicated to meaningful change.
Reaven D’Souza, the Founding Executive Managing Editor of The Times Kuwait. A trailblazer in English-language journalism and a prominent voice in community affairs, was honoured for his continued commitment to building a bridge between two great nations, India and Kuwait and establishing an easy synergy between their cultures and communities.
Sheikha Intisar Al Sabah – Humanitarian leader; Founder, Intisar Foundation is a member of the Kuwait ruling family. Her remarkable contributions have garnered global recognition. She was awarded Belgium’s insignia of the Knight in the Order of the Crown and France’s insignia of the Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour. Her other accolades include being named among the 50 Most Influential Women in the Arab world, Sheikha Intisar was honoured for her self-empowermentand a relentless pursuit of peace.
Dr. Susovana S. Nair – Leading oncologist, Kuwait Cancer Control Center; advocate for cancer awareness and medical collaboration with India. For her unwavering dedication to community service, she was honoured with the prestigious ‘She the Change – Nari Udyami Award 2019’at the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Varanasi. (India) and chosen as one of 27 extraordinary women from 173 countries. Dr. Nair was honoured for her selfless service that touches hearts, uplifts spirits and changes lives for the better.
Jafar Behbehani – Entrepreneur; Founder, Desert Star Trading and TriStar Motorcycles and a respected Kuwaiti entrepreneur whose career reflects a remarkable blend of business leadership, community engagement, and cross-cultural goodwill. He was honoured him for his spirit of giving back to the community and distinguished contribution to strengthening Indo-Kuwait ties and fostering goodwill between the two nations.
Suryakanth Balgopal – Founder, Al Sallal International Group (ASIG WLL) and Managing Director, Truebell Kuwait; pioneer in EPC and Indo-Kuwaiti business development. He was honoured for fostering deeper Indo-Kuwait ties.
Fahad Al Abduljaleel – Cultural leader; Chairman, Kuwaiti Heritage Society and a distinguished Kuwaiti heritage scholar, whose life’s work is devoted to preserving Kuwait’s rich legacy and strengthening historical and cultural ties with India. Carrying forward a deep, personal connection to the enduring bond between the two nations, Abduljaleel was honoured in appreciation of his efforts in painstakingly showcasing the Indo-Kuwait connect and highlighting the age-old friendship between India and Kuwait.
Zoyab Hussain Badri, the founder and driving force behind Al Hakimi Supermarket, one of Kuwait’s most respected destinations for authentic Indian products. He was honoured for bringing the richness of Indian tradition to Kuwait through quality, authenticity, and trust and his ground-breaking entrepreneurship and his efforts towards nation-building.
The event also saw a very interactive session with Roshni Nader Malhotra, chairperson HCLTech. As the richest Indian woman entrepreneur and 5th richest in the world, Roshni spoke on the opportunities and challenges in India’s IT sector. She also took questions from the audience giving some insights on her own career path.
An eloquent Vote of Thanks was given by Sunit Arora, Joint Secretary of IBPC, who summed up the mood of the evening of friendship and camaraderie.
The IBPC Annual Function & Awards Night 2025 marked a vibrant celebration of excellence, collaboration, and cultural engagement, a reflection of the shared spirit and enduring friendship between India and Kuwait.
Established under the aegis of Indian embassy, IBPC continues to play a vital role in connecting Indian business and professional community with Kuwait’s economic landscape, as well as in welfare of the Indian community in Kuwait.
