New Delhi, Jun 15 (FN Bureau) India and Kenya will explore closer security cooperation, especially in the maritime domain, diversify two-way trade and set up joint ventures as part of a comprehensive partnership. The agreement was reached following extensive talks External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had during his June 12-14 visit to the East African country. The visit was significant as it took place ahead of the 4th India-Africa Summit New Delhii plans to host later this year. The EAM reviewed bilateral ties at a Joint Commission meeting that was co-chaired by the Kenyan Foreign Minister Raychelle Mamoma. He also held a roundtable with defence, trade and ICT ministers and interacted with the Indian business community on building deeper business-to-business cooperation. The EAM also met President Uhuru Kenyatta and handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi had visited Kenya in 2018 and enunciated a set of 10 principles of engaging Africa.
Eastern Africa in recent years has grown in importance as India pursues its Indo-Pacific strategy, and the focus has been on enhancing the military and maritime cooperation with the region. Indian Navy has been focusing on the Indian Ocean Region’s littoral countries’ naval capabilities and security partnerships to counter China’s growing presence in the IOR. As maritime neighbours, India and Kenya recognised the importance of ensuring through shared endeavours greater security, safety and prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region,.They also noted that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations are a common threat to humanity. “Therefore, they agreed that enhancement and sharing of capabilities and awareness were in mutual interest. The appropriate institutions of the two sides will explore expanding cooperation in this regard,” the two countries said in a joint statement. The two sides discussed the security situation in the Indo-Pacific region and the Horn of Africa.
Jaishankar in a tweet seid, “Our defence partnership contributes to the safety and security of the Indian Ocean Region. Look forward to closer collaboration.” The two sides noted the potential to further increase trade volumes and value. They agreed that diversification of trade and new domains of cooperation would be in keeping with their closer partnership. Specific steps in this regard will be discussed at the forthcoming meeting of the Joint Trade Committee, according to the statement. India is one of Kenya’s leading source of Foreign Direct Investment. Kenya welcomed further investments from the Indian private sector, particularly in manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, automobile and affordable housing. The two sides reviewed development cooperation and agreed to work together to enhance partnership through exploring further opportunities both in the government and private sector in the areas of health, environment, ICT, tourism, higher education, automotive, defence and security. In the health sector, both sides welcomed the ongoing discussions on establishing joint ventures in the pharmaceutical manufacturing and noted to increase provision of affordable drugs.
They agreed to explore prospects for further enhancing cooperation in the healthcare delivery. “Real partnerships are those that promote development and build capacities,” said Jaishankar, adding the “the post-Covid era warrants deeper cooperation.” The two countries are members of the UN Security Council. They held extensive exchanges on global and regional issues and reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based multilateral system. “The rise of modern Africa is a pre-condition for the world to be truly multipolar,” tweeted Jaishankar later.