Ghulam Nabi Azad, a prominent Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, was admitted to a Kuwaiti hospital on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, while participating in an all-party delegation. The delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, is on a multi-nation tour to strengthen diplomatic ties and highlight India's stance against terrorism.
The news of Azad's hospitalization was first shared by Baijayant Panda on social media platform X. Panda assured the public that Azad is in stable condition and is receiving the necessary medical attention. He also mentioned that Azad would undergo some tests and procedures to determine the cause of his illness. Other members of the delegation also expressed their concern and wished him a speedy recovery. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey shared that Azad was deeply saddened by his inability to continue with the tour, highlighting his commitment to the nation.
The all-party delegation's visit to Kuwait is part of a broader diplomatic outreach initiative to engage with key global partners on critical issues, particularly counter-terrorism. The delegation's visit to Kuwait, which concluded recently, followed a visit to Bahrain. The delegation included representatives from various political parties, including Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM), Rekha Sharma (BJP), and Satnam Singh Sandhu (BJP), in addition to Ghulam Nabi Azad and leader Baijayant Panda. Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla is also a part of the delegation.
During their stay in Kuwait, the delegation engaged with senior Kuwaiti government officials, members of civil society, media representatives, and the Indian diaspora. Discussions revolved around strengthening bilateral relations, promoting trade and investment, and enhancing cooperation in combating terrorism. The Indian delegation conveyed India's firm resolve against terrorism and emphasized the importance of a unified global approach to address this threat. The visit also served as an opportunity to highlight the strong cultural and historical ties between India and Kuwait, as showcased in the "Rihla-e-Dosti" exhibition at the National Library of Kuwait, commemorating 250 years of friendship between the two nations.
The delegation's diplomatic outreach is particularly significant in light of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. India has been actively engaging with international partners to expose Pakistan's alleged role in sponsoring cross-border terrorism and to garner support for its counter-terrorism efforts. The delegation's visit to Kuwait and other Middle Eastern countries is aimed at conveying India's perspective on the issue and building a consensus against terrorism.
Prior to his hospitalization, Ghulam Nabi Azad actively participated in the delegation's meetings and discussions in Bahrain and Kuwait. His contributions were described as highly impactful, and his absence will be deeply felt as the delegation continues its tour in Saudi Arabia and Algeria. The delegation has already reached Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where they will continue their engagements with government officials and other stakeholders.
Ghulam Nabi Azad's political career spans several decades, during which he has held various গুরুত্বপূর্ণ positions in the Indian government and the Indian National Congress party. He served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir from 2005 to 2008 and has been a Member of Parliament multiple times. In 2022, he launched his own political party, the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP). In August 2024, Azad stepped back from campaigning for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections due to health issues.
As of now, Ghulam Nabi Azad remains under medical supervision in Kuwait. Further updates on his health condition are awaited as he undergoes tests and procedures. The Indian community and political circles are closely monitoring his progress and wishing him a swift recovery.