Kenya and India to deepen ties, bolster security
Indian High Commissioner to Kenya Suchitra Durai addresses guests aboard INS Kolkata on September 10, 2016 at Mbaraki Wharf in Mombasa. Durai said Mr Modi's visit in July saw a renewed interest in strengthening defence relations between the two nations. PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- In his visit on July 11, Mr Modi handed more than 30 ambulances to the Kenya Defence Forces.
- Commander Singh said the MoU addresses staff exchanges, expertise sharing, joint military exercises and cooperation in hydrography and equipment supply.
The Kenyan government will continue benefiting from India’s security expertise as part of an agreement signed in mid this year.
India’s ambassador to Kenya, Suchitra Durai, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit in July saw a renewed interest in strengthening defence relations between the two nations, through the signing of a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation.
“Defence cooperation between India and Kenya commenced with training courses in India for all the three services of the Kenya Defence Forces,” Ms Durai said during a reception aboard Indian Navy Ship INS Kolkata at the Mbaraki Wharf in Mombasa over the weekend.
In his visit on July 11, Mr Modi handed more than 30 ambulances to the Kenya Defence Forces.
President Uhuru Kenyatta said he appreciated the gesture and that the two countries would continue sharing information in counter-terrorism and human trafficking, among other issues.
Additionally, the Indian commander of the Western Fleet, Rear Admiral Ravneet Singh, said the visit by the Indian navy fleet (the INS Kolkata and the Aditya) is part of their role in improving maritime and diplomatic relations with Kenya.
“Indian Navy usually task ships to call at foreign ports as part of Navy’s mission of building bridges of friendship and strengthening maritime cooperation with friendly countries to enhance mutual trust, extend interoperability and build greater synergy to address common maritime concerns in the Indian Ocean Region,” Commander Singh said.
He said the MoU addresses staff exchanges, expertise sharing, joint military exercises and cooperation in hydrography and equipment supply.
Officer Singh added: "We believe it is the responsibility of the Indian Ocean countries to ensure stability in this region and towards this, cooperation with Kenya has paramount importance."
Ms Durai further said the port of Mombasa is beloved by Indian navy sailors and seafarers.
“Mombasa has embellished itself as an attractive destination to visit during their deployments in the region. The warmth and the welcoming nature of this beautiful city has always left a lasting impression on Indian sailors,” she noted.
Edited by Philip Momanyi
