Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru on Monday held bilateral discussions with a delegation from India led by the Adviser on International Cooperation in India’s Ministry of Defence Commodore Balaji.
Balaji had paid a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi.
During the meeting, Mariru highlighted the strategic partnership between Kenya and India, underscored by various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
This is including the recent shipbuilding agreement between Kenya Shipyards Limited and Goa Shipyard Limited, India.
“Our two countries have robust cooperation in health, defence and security. We are pleased with the various MoUs we have signed and are committed to implementing them to enhance the defence environment for both countries,” Mariru said.
He emphasised the importance of further cooperation through joint military training and exercises to improve maritime security for mutual benefit.
The Indian Head of Delegation expressed gratitude to the Kenyan government for its support.
Balaji emphasised India’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and information sharing to enhance peace, security and stability in both countries.
“We look forward to advancing our defence cooperation through capacity building, information sharing, and other partnerships to enhance peace between our two countries,” Commodore Balaji said.
Others present at the meeting included the Deputy High Commissioner of India to Kenya Rohit Vadhwana, Director of Strategy, Policy and Plans Kennedy Okondo, Colonel in charge of Plans at the Defence Headquarters Lazarus Wafula and other senior officials from both countries.
