This was agreed during the visit of Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to Nairobi. “As maritime neighbors, India and Kenya have recognized the importance of ensuring, through joint efforts, greater security, safety and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region. They also noted that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is a common threat to humanity. Therefore, they agreed that improving and sharing capacity and awareness was in the mutual interest. The appropriate institutions of both sides will explore expanding cooperation in this regard, ”according to a joint statement issued after a meeting between Jaishankar and his Kenyan counterpart Raychelle Omamo.

Let us recall that India has launched initiatives in Kenya, particularly in the infrastructure sector within the framework of the Indo-Pacific initiative.

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

Kenya’s Big Four agenda on manufacturing, affordable housing, universal health and food security was also discussed and Jaishankar stressed that India will build more on its partnership taking these elements into account.

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

The two sides discussed bilateral development cooperation and agreed to work together to strengthen the partnership by exploring other opportunities both in government and the private sector in the areas of health, environment, ICT. , tourism, higher education, automotive, defense and security.

The two sides also recognized the recent increase in bilateral trade and noted the potential to further increase trade volumes and value. They agreed that the diversification of trade and new areas of cooperation would be consistent with their closer partnership. Specific measures in this regard will be discussed at the next meeting of the Joint Committee on Trade.

India is one of Kenya’s main sources of foreign direct investment. Kenya has welcomed further investment from the Indian private sector, particularly in manufacturing, agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and affordable housing.

In the health sector, the two sides welcomed the ongoing discussions on establishing joint ventures in pharmaceutical manufacturing and noted that this would help increase the supply of affordable medicines. They agreed to explore the prospects for improving cooperation in the delivery of health care.

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