New Delhi: Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane led an Indian delegation to Kenya on an official visit from September 26 - 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 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 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed ways to further augment bilateral defence cooperation. The Cabinet Secretary also conveyed her greetings to the Raksha Mantri and reiterated her commitment for further strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.
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.
(Defence Watch– India’s Defence News centre that places the spotlight on Defence Manufacturing, Defence Technology, Strategy and Military affairs is on Twitter. Follow us here and stay updated.)