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 Delhi 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.
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.
