PM’s press statement during the visit of the President of Kenya to India
Speaker: Narendra Modi
Date: 05 Dec, 2023

Your Excellency President William Ruto, Delegates from both countries, Friends from the media, Namaskar! I am delighted to welcome President Ruto and his delegation to India. I am glad that his visit comes shortly after the African Union joins the G20. Africa has always been given a high priority position in India’s foreign policy. Over the last decade or so, we have increased our cooperation with Africa in mission mode. I am confident that President Ruto’s visit will give new impetus to our bilateral relations as well as our engagement with the entire African continent. Friends, This year we commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Kenya, but our relations have a history spanning thousands of years. The vast Indian Ocean, connecting Mumbai and Mombasa, has been witness to our ancient relations. Based on this robust foundation, we have been moving forward together for centuries. In the last century, we together opposed colonialism. India and Kenya are countries that have a common past, and future too. Friends, Today we decided to strengthen our cooperation in all fields, laying the foundation for a progressive future. And also identified many new initiatives. Significant strides have been made in mutual trade and investment between India and Kenya, and we are committed to exploring new opportunities to fully realize the potential of our economic cooperation. India has been a reliable and committed development partner for Kenya. India has made a significant contribution to the skill development and capacity building of the people of Kenya through ITEC and ICCR scholarships. As two agrarian economies, we agreed to share our experiences. We have also decided to provide a Line of Credit of two hundred and fifty million dollars to modernize Kenya’s agricultural sector. In alignment with the demands of modern times, we are also enhancing our cooperation in technology and innovation. We are fully prepared to share India’s achievements in Digital Public Infrastructure with Kenya. The agreement being reached today on this important subject will strengthen our efforts. Clean energy remains a top priority for both nations, and Kenya’s Africa Climate Summit initiative is a commendable step in that direction. It also reflects President Ruto’s commitment to unitedly address all global challenges. I am glad that Kenya has decided to join the Global Biofuels Alliance and the International Solar Alliance. Additionally, Kenya’s decision to join the International Big Cat Alliance will help us strengthen global efforts to conserve big cats. Our growing cooperation in the field of defense is a symbol of our deep mutual trust and common interests. In today’s discussion, we emphasized on military exercises, capacity building as well as linking the defense industries of both the countries. We also discussed using space technology for public welfare. We agreed to share India’s successful experience with Kenya in this important area. With this commitment and spirit of friendship, we will continue our efforts to increase our cooperation in all fields. Friends, In today’s meeting, a wide range of global and regional issues were discussed. As countries connected to the Indian Ocean, maritime security, piracy and drug trafficking are matters of our common priority. To strengthen mutual cooperation in this important area, we are issuing a Joint Vision Statement on Maritime Cooperation. Close cooperation between Kenya and India will strengthen all our efforts in the Indo-Pacific. India and Kenya are unanimous that terrorism is the most serious challenge to humanity. In this regard, we have decided to increase mutual cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism. Friends, The approximately eighty thousand individuals of Indian origin, who consider Kenya as their second home, are the biggest strength of our relations. I extend my personal gratitude to President Ruto for the support Kenya provides to their well-being. Our mutual closeness will further increase with the signing of a cultural exchange agreement today. Kenya’s long distance and marathon runners are world renowned. Similarly, cricket is also popular in both the countries. An important agreement has been agreed upon to strengthen mutual cooperation in the field of sports between the two countries. Along with Bollywood, the popularity of Yoga and Ayurveda is also increasing in Kenya. We will continue efforts to deepen people-to-people ties between the two countries. Excellency, Once again, you and your delegation are warmly welcomed to India. Thank you very much.