India-Kenya decide to widen Indo-Pacific; counter terror partnership

India and its traditional East African partner Kenya on Monday explored widening partnership to secure the Indo-Pacific region as maritime neighbours and agreed on sharing capabilities to counter-terrorism.

This was agreed during the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Nairobi. “As maritime neighbours, India and Kenya recognizedthe importance of ensuring through shared endeavors greater security, safety and prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region. They also noted that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations are a common threat to humanity. Therefore, they agreed that enhancement and sharing of capabilities and awareness were in mutual interest. The appropriate institutions of the two sides will explore expanding cooperation in this regard,” according to a joint statement issued after meet between Jaishankar and his Kenyan counterpart Raychelle Omamo.

It may be recalled that India has launched initiatives in Kenya including in infrastructure sector as part of the Indo-Pacific initiative.

The two Ministers held extensive exchanges on global and regional issues including the security situation in the Indo-Pacific region and the Horn of Africa. They expressed their concern at the growing radicalization and the increase in international terrorism and violent extremism in parts of Africa and Asia.

The Big Four Agenda of Kenya on Manufacturing, Affordable Housing, Universal Health and Food Security was also discussed and Jaishankar underlined that India will further build upon its partnership taking these into account.

The two sides deliberated on the impact of Covid-19 situation globally and called for joint efforts to combat the disease as well as consolidate economic collaboration during the pandemic and post-Covid-19 period. They emphasized the need for equitable and affordable access to vaccines and ensuring treatment for all, according to the Joint statement.

The two sides reviewed bilateral development cooperation and agreed to work together to enhance partnership through exploring further opportunitiesboth in the government and private sector in the areas of Health, Environment, ICT, Tourism, Higher Education, Automotive, Defence and Security.

The two sides also acknowledged the recent rise in bilateral trade and 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.

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.

In the health sector, both sides welcomed the ongoing discussions on establishing Joint Ventures in the pharmaceutical manufacturing and noted this will contribute to the increasing provision of affordable drugs. They agreed to explore prospects for further enhancement of cooperation in the Healthcaredelivery.

The two Ministers agreed to explore areas of cooperation in Environment and forestry sector including green growth, forest resource management, solid and water waste management, climate- smart and agricultural value chains.