India and Kenya have agreed to deepen cooperation in maritime security in the Indian Ocean region and joint training in counter insurgency. A bilateral meeting was held between Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Cabinet Secretary for Defence of Kenya Aden Bare Duale in New Delhi today. During the discussion, capacity building and cooperation in defence industry and equipment were also discussed at length. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Goa Shipyard Limited and Kenya Shipyard Limited in the field of capacity building and for collaboration in ship design and construction.

The Ministry of Defence said, as a token of friendship Rajnath Singh presented 15 pairs of parachutes manufactured by the Gliders India Limited for the Kenyan Forces. India also extended support towards setting up of an advanced CT scan facility in Kenya.

During the bilateral meeting, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh said, India has prioritized its engagement with African nations. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to all G20 member countries to include the African Union in G20 membership in the upcoming Leaders' Summit to be held under India's G20 presidency.

In the meeting, Cabinet Secretary for Defence Aden Bare Duale applauded the cordial relations between India and Kenya saying that their ties date back to pre-independence. Mr. Duale appreciated the growing prowess of the Indian defence industry and highlighted the areas in which the Indian industry can support the requirements of the Kenyan Forces. He also suggested ‘training of trainers’ of Kenyan Forces by the instructors of Indian Armed Forces.

The Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Defence is on a three-day visit to India. He will be visiting Indian shipyards and defence industries in Goa and Bengaluru during his stay.