Defence Secretary leads an Indian delegation to Kenya; Holds talks with Principal Secretary, Ministry of Defence of Kenya to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane led an Indian delegation to Kenya on an official visit from September 26 to 27, 2024 on the invitation of Principal Secretary, Ministry of Defence Dr Patrick Mariru. The delegation comprised senior officers from Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs.

On the first day of his visit, the Defence Secretary had a productive and substantive engagement with the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Defence of Kenya. Wide-ranging discussions were held on further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation including specialised training, maritime information sharing, military medicine, and defence industry. Both the countries agreed to collaborate in promoting security and stability in the Indian Ocean region. In this regard, both sides also recalled BAHARI, the Joint Vision Statement to guide the bilateral maritime cooperation. The Vision Statement was issued during the State visit of President William Ruto to India in December 2023.

The Defence Secretary also called on Cabinet Secretary (Defence Minister), Ministry of Defence of Kenya Ms Roselinda Soipan Tuya. He conveyed the greetings of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and discussed ways to further augment bilateral defence cooperation.

On September 27, 2024, the Defence Secretary visited Kenyan Naval base Mtongwe in Mombasa. He was accompanied by Principal Secretary Dr Mariru. They jointly laid the foundation stone of a new Radiology Complex, being built and equipped under the bilateral defence partnership. In his address, Defence Secretary highlighted the longstanding, friendly, close and strong relationship between India and Kenya. He also emphasised the rich historical ties that date back to centuries, rooted in trade, migration, and cultural exchanges. The Defence Secretary was received by Brigadier John Sankale Kiswaa, Deputy Commander of Kenya Navy at Mtongwe Naval Base, Mombasa. They also discussed cooperation between the navies of the two countries.

The visit was consistent with the periodic high-level exchanges between India & Kenya, and is expected to further strengthen the bilateral defence cooperation.

SR/Savvy