List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Key partnership: On India and Kuwait ties”

List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Key partnership: On India and Kuwait ties”

The article discusses India's evolving relationship with Kuwait, particularly following Prime Minister Modi’s visit, which completed the loop in India’s broader outreach to Gulf nations. The visit emphasized people-to-people links, reflecting the strong presence of Indian expatriates in Kuwait.

While trade relations remain robust, defence cooperation has lagged behind, prompting efforts to bridge the gap through new agreements. The cementing of importance came with Kuwait conferring its highest civilian honour on Mr. Modi, highlighting the growing strategic partnership.

The article also touches on regional geopolitics, suggesting that instability, such as the potential ouster of regimes, could spell more violence. Additionally, Europe’s preoccupation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict risks leaving a vacuum of support in West Asia, creating opportunities for India to engage in standalone forays in the region.

1.  Complete the loop

• Meaning: To finish or conclude a series of related actions or processes.
• Example: "Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait completed the loop in India’s outreach to Gulf countries."

2.  People-to-people links

• Meaning: Direct interactions and relationships between ordinary citizens of different countries.
• Example: "India and Kuwait have maintained strong people-to-people links through trade and expatriate communities."

3.  Lagged behind

• Meaning: To fall behind or progress more slowly than expected.
• Example: "Strategic and defence ties between India and Kuwait have lagged behind despite robust trade relations."

4.  Bridge the gap

• Meaning: To reduce or eliminate differences or inequalities between two parties.
• Example: "Mr. Modi’s visit aimed to bridge the gap in defence cooperation with Kuwait."

5.  Cementing the importance

• Meaning: To firmly establish the significance or value of something.
• Example: "Kuwait’s highest honour conferred on Mr. Modi cemented the importance of the visit."

6.  Spell more violence

• Meaning: To indicate or lead to increased conflict or problems.
• Example: "The ouster of the Assad regime could spell more violence in the region."

7.  Preoccupation with

• Meaning: Being overly concerned or focused on something, often at the expense of other matters.
• Example: "Europe’s preoccupation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict may limit its involvement in West Asia."

8.  Vacuum of support

• Meaning: A lack or absence of assistance, leadership, or influence.
• Example: "The shift in U.S. priorities may create a vacuum of support in the Middle East."

9.  Standalone forays

• Meaning: Independent and singular attempts or efforts, often referring to diplomatic visits or initiatives.
• Example: "India may need to plan more standalone forays to strengthen bilateral relations in the region."