Kenya and India have intensified their defence and maritime cooperation following the arrival of the Indian naval ship INS Trikand in Mombasa, marking a key engagement in the South West Indian Ocean Region.
The visit, which coincides with a tour by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, head of India’s Western Naval Command, includes a series of military and diplomatic activities involving the Kenya Defence Forces and senior government officials. A joint naval drill is also planned before the vessel departs.
In a major boost to military collaboration, the Indian Navy handed over 100 INSAS rifles and 50,000 rounds of ammunition to the Kenya Navy, with Major General Paul Otieno receiving the equipment on behalf of the Kenya Defence Forces.
Aboard the warship, Vice Admiral Swaminathan and India’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr Adarsh Swaika, hosted a reception attended by senior Kenyan military officers, diplomats and members of the Indian community.
The event, also attended by Major General Otieno, brought together leaders from Kilifi and Taita Taveta counties, underscoring the deepening ties between the two countries.
The gathering highlighted the growing partnership, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening security cooperation and maintaining stability in the region.
In Nairobi, the Indian delegation held high-level talks with Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri and Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation through training programmes, institutional partnerships and capacity development.
Further engagements in Mombasa centred on improving coordination between the two navies, particularly in enhancing joint operations and information sharing across the Western Indian Ocean.
As part of the visit, Kenya and India also formalised an agreement under a Quick Impact Project to provide the Kenya Defence Forces with a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, signalling cooperation that extends beyond military operations.
The four-day stopover is expected to strengthen operational ties between the two navies through professional exchanges and joint activities aimed at improving maritime efficiency and preparedness.