Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Defence Aden Bare Duale. They discussed about the scope of defence cooperation between the countries. Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, General Anil Chauhan and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane were also present during the meeting.
“Had an excellent meeting with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Aden Bare Duale. Our discussions today were comprehensive and fruitful. We look forward to further expanding the scope and depth of defence cooperation between both the countries,” Minister Rajnath Singh said, sharing a post on X.
At the bilateral meeting with Aden Bare Duale, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “India has prioritised engagement with African nations. Our PM has written to all G20 member countries to include African Union in G20 membership in the upcoming Leaders’ Summit under India’s presidency.” He further added, “Specifically, in the field of defence, initiatives like the India-Africa Defence Dialogue, India-Africa Army Chief’s conclave and India-Africa field training exercises” have helped in deepening ties with Africa.
The Union Minister also mentioned that India has provided its backing for Kenya’s secretary-generalship of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in July 2023. Minister Rajnath Singh stated that collaborations in trade, economy, education, health, and people-to-people interactions have consistently strengthened. He expressed satisfaction in the close cooperation between both nations as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council during 2021-22. The Minister also extended gratitude to Kenya for supporting India’s candidature for the 2028-29 term.
Addressing the bilateral event, Kenya’s Aden Bare Duale, said, “I want to applaud the cordial relations between India and Kenya which is dating back to pre-independence and I also want to recognise the huge Indian-Kenyan population that lives in our country.” Calling PM Modi’s visit to Kenya as historic, he further said, “he had opportunity to address over 20,000 Indians of Kenya nationality.”
Cabinet Secretary Duale also congratulated India for the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the lunar south pole. He said, “I am happy that India has become the fourth country globally and has joined the nations who have achieved that milestone.”
Kenya’s Defence Cabinet Secretary Duale, arrived in New Delhi on August 28, 2023, embarking on a three-day visit to India. This is the maiden visit of Cabinet Secretary Duale to India and the highest level stand-alone political visit from Kenya since the new government assumed office in September 2022. Earlier in the day, he honoured soldiers at the National War Memorial by laying a wreath and paying homage. He also inspected the Tri-Services’ Guard of Honour.