Kenya-India relations: INS Talwar docks in Mombasa; aims to strengthen ties, further collaboration between navies

New Delhi [India], September 24 (ANI): The Indian Navy’s frontline stealth frigate, INS Talwar, arrived in Mombasa, Kenya for strengthening ties between the two nations. The frigate arrived in the harbours of Mombasa on Sunday.

The visit aims to strengthen ties further and reaffirm India’s commitment to constructive collaboration and mutual growth.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, the navies of Kenya and India would be engaging in various interactions to strengthen cooperation and interoperability.

“During the ship’s stay in the harbour, personnel from the Kenyan and Indian navies will engage in a wide range of professional interactions and cross-exchange visits to enhance cooperation and bolster interoperability,” the statement said.

Highlighting the bond between the two countries linked by the Indian Ocean, the press release highlighted the increasing trade, investment and people-to-people contact.

“India and Kenya share a strong bond built on a foundation of centuries-old historical ties. As geographic neighbours linked by the Indian Ocean, the two nations cherish a natural partnership, further strengthened over the years by regular high-level visits, increasing trade and investment, and extensive people-to-people contact,” the statement added.

The statement also highlighted the ‘Joint Vision Statement’ released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto in December 2023.

“Maritime cooperation between India and Kenya is guided by the Vision Statement ‘BAHARI’, meaning ‘Ocean’ in Swahili. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto released the Joint Vision Statement in December 2023 during the Kenyan president’s state visit to India,” the statement said.

INS Talwar was commissioned on 18 June 2003 and is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command. Captain Jithu George currently commands the ship, which has a complement of approximately 300 personnel.

In December 2023, India and Kenya held talks to provide USD 250 million to modernise agriculture too.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said, “As two agrarian economies, we agreed to share our experiences. To modernize agricultural sector of Kenya, we have also decided to provide a line of credit of USD 250 million.”

“We also note that mutual trade and investment between India and Kenya is making steady progress and we will continue to explore new opportunities to realize the full potential of our economic cooperation. India has been a trusted and committed development partner for Kenya. Through ITEC and ICCR scholarships, India has made a significant contribution in the skill development and capacity building of the people of Kenya,” the Prime Minister added in December.

Additionally, Five Memorandums of Understanding were exchanged following the discussions in a number of areas, including sports, Information Technology and education.